Nicotine Inhaler Names and Terminology
The nicotine inhaler is officially called NICOTROL Inhaler in the FDA labeling, but is also commonly referred to as a nicotine inhalation system. 1
Common Names and Terminology
The nicotine inhaler is part of a broader category of products known as Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). While the nicotine inhaler has its own specific identity, it's important to understand the terminology landscape:
- NICOTROL Inhaler - The FDA-approved brand name for the prescription nicotine inhaler 1
- Nicotine inhalation system - The formal descriptive term used in medical literature 1
- Nicotine inhaler - The common generic term used in clinical practice 2
How the Nicotine Inhaler Works
The nicotine inhaler consists of two main components:
- A mouthpiece
- A plastic cartridge containing a porous plug with 10 mg of nicotine (of which 4 mg can be extracted) 1
Unlike electronic cigarettes, the nicotine inhaler:
- Does not heat or burn anything
- Delivers nicotine primarily to the oral cavity, throat, and upper respiratory tract
- Requires active "puffing" to extract the nicotine 3
- Contains menthol as an inactive ingredient 1
Distinguishing from Other Nicotine Products
It's important to differentiate the nicotine inhaler from other products:
- Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) - These are electronic devices that heat a solution containing nicotine, flavorings, and propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin to create an aerosol 2
- Nicotine gum - A chewable form of nicotine replacement that requires a specific "chew and park" technique 4
- Nicotine patch - A transdermal delivery system that provides steady nicotine levels 2
- Nicotine nasal spray - Delivers nicotine through the nasal passages for faster absorption 2
Clinical Usage
The nicotine inhaler is indicated as an aid to smoking cessation for the relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms and should be used as part of a comprehensive behavioral smoking cessation program 1. Key points about usage:
- Most successful patients use between 6 and 16 cartridges per day 1
- Each cartridge can be used for one 20-minute period of continuous puffing or up to 400 puffs 3
- The recommended treatment duration is 3 months, followed by gradual reduction over 6-12 weeks 1
Advantages of the Nicotine Inhaler
The nicotine inhaler offers unique benefits:
- Provides both pharmacological nicotine replacement and addresses the hand-to-mouth ritual of smoking 1, 3
- Delivers nicotine more slowly than cigarettes, reducing addiction potential 3
- Can be combined with other nicotine replacement therapies (like patches) for improved cessation rates 5
Cautions and Contraindications
- Not recommended for people under 18 years of age 4
- Pregnant women should use with caution, weighing risks against continued smoking 4
- Should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease 4
The nicotine inhaler represents an important tool in smoking cessation, providing both pharmacological support and behavioral substitution for the smoking ritual.