Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Mechanism of action

Delivers nicotine without the tar and carbon monoxide of smoke, relieving withdrawal and craving while the patient breaks the smoking habit.

Dosing

Adult

Patch: 21 mg/24 h if >10 cigarettes/day (14 mg if ≤10), stepping down over 8–12 weeks. Gum or lozenge: 4 mg if the first cigarette is within 30 minutes of waking, otherwise 2 mg, every 1–2 hours as needed

Gum: 'chew and park' — chew until tingling, then park between cheek and gum.