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Nicotine patches
Nicotine patches deliver nicotine transdermally to bind nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation.
Nicotine patches deliver nicotine transdermally to bind nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings during smoking cessation. Used for Smoking cessation as an aid to quit smoking.
At a glance
| Generic name | Nicotine patches |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Nicotine replacement, Nicoderm, Nicoderm Committed Quitters (CQ), Nicoderm CQ, NRT |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco |
| Drug class | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist |
| Target | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Addiction Medicine / Smoking Cessation |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Nicotine is an agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are involved in reward, attention, and motor control pathways. By providing steady-state nicotine levels through transdermal delivery, patches reduce the reinforcing effects of smoking and alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. This allows smokers to gradually reduce nicotine dependence while managing behavioral aspects of addiction.
Approved indications
- Smoking cessation
- Nicotine dependence
Common side effects
- Skin irritation at patch site
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
- Vivid dreams
Key clinical trials
- Partnering With Food Bank to Provide Tobacco Treatment to Underserved Smokers (NA)
- Defining Neurobiological Links Between Substance Use and Mental Illness (NA)
- Exenatide for Smoking Cessation and Prevention of Weight Gain (PHASE2)
- A Study Of Vagal Nerve Stimulation In Conjunction With NRT For Smoking Cessation (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Smoking Cessation and Menstrual Cycle Phase (PHASE4)
- Cytisine vs Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NA)
- ACT Lung Health Intervention: Phase Two (NA)
- iCanQuit Smoking Cessation Among Hispanic Adults (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Nicotine patches CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Nicotine patches updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of California, San Francisco portfolio CI