Table 17.12-5. Formulations, dosage, and principles for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

Formulation

Dosage

Comments

Short-acting

Nicotine gum: 2 mg and 4 mg

Nicotine lozenges: 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg

Nicotine inhaler: 10 mg

Nicotine spray: 1 mg/spray

The long-acting nicotine replacement should be adjusted to current nicotine intake and combined with short-acting replacement used as needed to reduce cravings

1 cigarette = 1-2 mg of nicotine

21 mg for 6 weeks, 14 mg for 2 weeks, 7 mg for 2 weeks. Adjust for overdose symptoms or cravings

 

Long-acting

Nicotine 24-h transdermal system: 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg

Nicotine 16-h transdermal system: 10 mg, 15 mg, 25 mg

16-h patch can be used during daytime to minimize vivid dreams or insomnia