Nicotine nasal spray (Nicotrol NS). (Medication Update).Mode of Action Replacement of nicotine that has been provided through smoking. The delivery mechanism may be useful in patients who have a strong addiction to smoking and need immediate relief of withdrawal symptoms Withdrawal symptoms A group of physical or mental symptoms that may occur when a person suddenly stops using a drug to which he or she has become dependent. . Contraindications Known hypersensitivity hypersensitivity, heightened response in a body tissue to an antigen or foreign substance. The body normally responds to an antigen by producing specific antibodies against it. The antibodies impart immunity for any later exposure to that antigen. to nicotine or components of nasal spray formulation. Pregnancy category Pregnancy category A system of classifying drugs according to their established risks for use during pregnancy. Category A: Controlled human studies have demonstrated no fetal risk. : D. Adverse Effects Incidence of moderate to severe local irritation is 94% in the first two days of use. This generally declines with continued usage. Examples of adverse effects include burning and/or numbness of the nose and/or mouth, nasal congestion nasal congestion ENT Difficulty in nasal breathing, due to an ↑ vascular thickness of nasal mucosa. See Nasal stuffiness. , sneezing To verbally tell somebody about a new and interesting Web site. See viral marketing. , running nose, throat and sinus irritation, and taste disturbances. Drug-Drug Interactions The cytochrome P 1A2 system is induced by cigarette smoking. Many drugs are metabolized by this system, and drug levels may be affected by smoking cessation. Dosing Patients should start by using 2 sprays (one in each nostril nostril /nos·tril/ (nos´tril) either of the nares. nos·tril n. A naris. nostril either of the two apertures (nares) of the nose that lead into the nasal cavity. ) every 30 to 60 minutes. Patients should use a minimum of 8 doses per day, up to a maximum of 40 doses per day. Once patient has stopped smoking and used the spray for 8 weeks, they may either abruptly discontinue the spray or gradually decrease their dose over the next 4 to 6 weeks. Manufacturer Pharmacia. Other Points of Interest Potential for dependence on the nasal spray exists. Patients should not be allowed to use the nasal spray for longer than six months. Used nasal spray bottles should be disposed of out of the reach of children and pets. References (1.) Hutchison TA, Shahan DR, Anderson ML (Eds): DRUGDEX System. MICROMEDEx, Inc., Englewood, Colo (Edition expires 12/2000) (2.) Hebel SK, Katstrup EK (Eds): Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO (2001) |
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