From the Guidelines
No, Nicotrol (nicotine) inhalers are not discontinued and remain available on the market as a prescription nicotine replacement therapy. The Nicotrol inhaler delivers nicotine through a mouthpiece when you puff on it, helping to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking. The standard dosing is 6-16 cartridges per day for the first 6-12 weeks, followed by a gradual reduction over the next 6-12 weeks. Each cartridge contains 10 mg of nicotine, delivering about 4 mg of nicotine vapor, of which approximately 2 mg is absorbed. Patients should use the inhaler when they feel the urge to smoke, inhaling deeply into the back of the throat or puffing in short breaths. The inhaler works best when used with behavioral support programs for smoking cessation. Unlike some other nicotine replacement products that have been discontinued over the years, Nicotrol inhalers continue to be manufactured by Pfizer and prescribed as an effective tool to help smokers quit 1.
Some key points to consider when using Nicotrol inhalers for smoking cessation include:
- They are a prescription-only medication, and patients should follow the prescribed dosage and usage instructions carefully.
- The inhaler is most effective when used in combination with behavioral support programs, such as counseling or support groups.
- Patients may experience side effects, such as nausea, headache, or irritation of the mouth and throat, but these are generally mild and temporary.
- Nicotrol inhalers have been shown to be effective in helping smokers quit, with studies demonstrating significant increases in quit rates compared to placebo or other nicotine replacement therapies 1.
Overall, Nicotrol inhalers remain a valuable tool for smokers who are trying to quit, and their continued availability on the market is a positive development for public health.
From the Research
Nicotrol Inhalers Discontinuation Status
- There is no direct information available in the provided studies regarding the discontinuation of Nicotrol (nicotine) inhalers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, including inhalers, in aiding smoking cessation 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A study from 2012 found that nicotine inhalers were effective in achieving abstinence from cigarettes, with a risk ratio of 1.90 (95% CI 1.36 to 2.67) 4.
- Another study from 2004 evaluated the effectiveness of the Nicotrol nicotine inhaler in an over-the-counter (OTC) setting and found that it was ineffective, but quit rates improved with healthcare provider assistance 6.
- The studies do not provide information on the current availability or discontinuation of Nicotrol inhalers, suggesting that there may not be direct evidence to answer the question 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Availability of Nicotrol Inhalers
- The provided studies do not mention the discontinuation of Nicotrol inhalers, but they do discuss the various forms of NRT available, including inhalers 3, 4, 5.
- A study from 2009 mentions that three types of medications are available for smoking cessation treatment, including NRT (nicotine replacement treatment, i.e., transdermal patch, gum, inhaler, nasal spray, and lozenge) 3.
- A 2016 review of NRT methods mentions that various alternative nicotine sources, including inhalers, have been incorporated into tobacco cessation programs 5.