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Nicotine Replacement Therapy Agent - Patches
Nicotine patches deliver nicotine transdermally to bind nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings 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 Replacement Therapy Agent - Patches |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health |
| Drug class | Nicotine replacement therapy agent |
| Target | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Addiction Medicine / Smoking Cessation |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches provide a steady, controlled dose of nicotine through the skin, bypassing the rapid delivery and reinforcement associated with smoking. By activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, particularly in reward and addiction-related brain regions, nicotine patches alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and cravings. This allows patients to gradually reduce nicotine dependence while behavioral interventions address the habit component of smoking addiction.
Approved indications
- Smoking cessation as an aid to quit smoking
Common side effects
- Skin irritation at patch application site
- Insomnia
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Key clinical trials
- Smoking Cessation and Menstrual Cycle Phase (PHASE4)
- Cytisine vs Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NA)
- Auricular Stimulation for Nicotine Withdrawal in Psychiatric Inpatients (NA)
- Project DEDUCE: Digital Envirotyping to Develop Understanding of Cigarette Smoking and the Environment (PHASE4)
- E-Cigarettes for Harm Reduction in Smokers With Opioid Use Disorder (PHASE2)
- Combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy, Cytisine, or Varenicline for Smoking Cessation (PHASE4)
- STEPS: Substance Use Trial of E-cigarettes or Pharmacotherapy for Smoking (NA)
- Smart Olfaction App to Reduce Relapse (EARLY_PHASE1)
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 |
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