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Nicotine replacement
Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation.
Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation. Used for Smoking cessation as an aid to quit smoking.
At a glance
| Generic name | Nicotine replacement |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Nicotine Replacement Therapy, NRT, nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine replacement therapy, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, NRT, Nicoderm, Nicorrette |
| Sponsor | Instituto Fernandes Figueira |
| Drug class | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist |
| Target | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Smoking Cessation / Addiction Medicine |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) delivers nicotine through non-combustible routes (patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray, or inhalers) to satisfy nicotine dependence while avoiding the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. By activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, it alleviates withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, thereby supporting abstinence from smoking.
Approved indications
- Smoking cessation as an aid to quit smoking
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mouth/throat irritation (gum/lozenge formulations)
- Hiccups
Key clinical trials
- Metabolome and Gut Microbiome Changes During Smoking Cessation in Long-term Drug Therapy in a Therapeutic Community (NA)
- 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)
- Varenicline for Smoking Reduction in Veterans Not Ready To Quit (PHASE4)
- Auricular Stimulation for Nicotine Withdrawal in Psychiatric Inpatients (NA)
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 replacement CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Nicotine replacement updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Instituto Fernandes Figueira portfolio CI