Nicotine Gum (Generic Nicorette) - Product information and Uses

Nicotine gum is a kind of chewing gum that delivers nicotine to the body. It is used as an aid in nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), a process for smoking cessation and quitting smokeless tobacco. The nicotine is delivered to the bloodstream through absorption by the tissues of the mouth.
Nicotine gum is currently available over-the-counter medication in Europe, the US and elsewhere. The pieces are usually available in individual foil packages and come in various flavors. Nicotine content is usually either 2 or 4 mg of nicotine, roughly the nicotine content of 1 or 2 cigarettes, with the appropriate content and dosage depending on the smoking habits of the user.

Nicotine Gum - Availability And Packaging

Nicotine Gum is available as Nicorette Gum which is packaged in gums of 2 mg and 4 mg. Well known brands include Nicoderm, Nicorette, Nicogum, Nicotex and Nicotinell.

Nicotine Gum (Generic Nicorette) - Dosage

Generic Nicorette Gum should not be used less than 15 minutes after eating or drinking, as this will reduce absorption. Persons undergoing Nicotine Gum Therapy are directed to chew the gum until it softens and produces a tingling sensation or "peppery" taste. The gum is then "parked," or tucked, in between the cheek and gums. When the tingling ends the gum is chewed again until it returns, and is then re-parked in a new location. These steps are repeated until the gum is depleted of nicotine ( which takes about 30 minutes) or the craving dissipates.
The recommended dosage is as follows:
Weeks 1-6: 1 piece every 1 to 2 hours;
weeks 7-9: 1 piece every 2 to 4 hours;
weeks 10-12: 1 piece every 4–8 hours;
You should consume no more than 24 pieces per day. Do not use for longer than 12 weeks. Pregnant women should neither smoke nor use NRT. Light smokers should use the 2 mg and heavy smokers the 4 mg; size of gum is the same for both doses.When used properly, about 3 mg is absorbed into the bloodstream from the 4 mg gum, and 1 mg from the 2 mg gum.

Health Effects of Nicotine

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor which means it constricts arteries, making it harder for the heart to pump blood through the body. Repeated nicotine exposure contributes to accelerated coronary artery disease, acute cardiac ischemic events, and hypertension. Additionally, studies have shown that nicotine exposure contributes to stroke, peptic ulcer disease, and esophageal reflux. Further, nicotine may cause wounds to heal more slowly and may be associated with reproductive toxicity
Moreover, nicotine can cause the body to release its stores of fat and cholesterol into the blood.Nicotine has been correlated in vitro with increased expression of a gene associated with oral cancer. There is no doubt however about the harmful effects of smoking, so smokers should make every effort to quit.

Side Effects of Nicotine Gum (Generic Nicorette)

The side effects of Generic Nicorette gum are described below:
Muscle control: Two unpleasant symptoms which affect some new users, and existing users who make excessive use of nicotine gum, are hiccups and a perceived constriction of the throat muscles, as accidental swallowing of saliva containing high amounts of nicotine may cause irritation.
Gum disease: Prolonged nicotine chewing gum use may also cause gum disease. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, including those of the gums, which has led to speculation that long-term use of nicotine gum may contribute to risk for gum disease.
Birth defects: Women who use nicotine gum and patches during the early stages of pregnancy face an increased risk of having babies with birth defects.