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Nicotine Transdermal Patch
Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system, providing nicotine replacement to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in tobacco users.
Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system, providing nicotine replacement to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in tobacco-dependent individuals. Used for Smoking cessation in nicotine-dependent individuals.
At a glance
| Generic name | Nicotine Transdermal Patch |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Habitrol Transdermal patch (US), Nicotinell Transdermal patch (Germany), Nicotinelle, nicotinell, Nicotine |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California |
| 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
The transdermal patch delivers nicotine through the skin at a controlled rate, maintaining steady-state plasma levels throughout the day. This activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors mimics the effects of smoked tobacco, reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and cravings. The patch formulation allows for gradual dose reduction over time to facilitate smoking cessation.
Approved indications
- Smoking cessation as an aid to quit smoking
- Reduction of nicotine withdrawal symptoms in tobacco-dependent individuals
Common side effects
- Skin irritation at patch application 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)
- iCanQuit Smoking Cessation Among Hispanic Adults (PHASE3)
- Varenicline for Smoking Reduction in Veterans Not Ready To Quit (PHASE4)
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 |