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Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy delivers nicotine to the body through alternative routes (patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray, or inhalers) to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings during smoking cessation.
Nicotine replacement therapy delivers nicotine to the body through non-combustible routes to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings during smoking cessation. Used for Smoking cessation aid, Reduction of cigarette consumption in smokers unwilling to quit abruptly.
At a glance
| Generic name | Nicotine Replacement Therapy |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Nicoderm CQ, NRT, Nicotine Lozenges, Nicogum 2mg Cipla pharmaceuticals, Nicotine Patch |
| Sponsor | Ottawa Hospital Research Institute |
| 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
NRT works by providing nicotine without the harmful combustion products of tobacco smoke, allowing smokers to gradually reduce their dependence on cigarettes. Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, satisfying the neurochemical basis of addiction while the patient works to break the behavioral habit. This approach separates nicotine delivery from the reinforcing effects of smoking itself, facilitating gradual dose reduction and eventual cessation.
Approved indications
- Smoking cessation in adults
- Reduction of cigarette consumption in smokers unable or unwilling to quit abruptly
Common side effects
- Mouth irritation (gum formulation)
- Hiccups
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances (patch formulation)
- Local skin irritation (patch formulation)
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 Therapy CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute portfolio CI