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Transdermal nicotine 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 dependence.
Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system, providing nicotine replacement to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in tobacco dependence. Used for Smoking cessation / tobacco dependence.
At a glance
| Generic name | Transdermal nicotine patch |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Nicoderm CQ, Nicotine Patch, Nicoderm CQ Step 3, NiQuitin Clear, GlaxoSmithKline Germany, Patch |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania |
| Drug class | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist |
| Target | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Addiction Medicine |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The transdermal patch delivers nicotine through the skin at a controlled rate, bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism and providing steady-state plasma levels. Nicotine acts as an agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are involved in reward pathways, attention, and motor control. This replacement therapy reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms (irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating) and cravings associated with smoking cessation.
Approved indications
- Smoking cessation / tobacco dependence
Common side effects
- Local skin irritation or erythema at patch site
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances / insomnia
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
Key clinical trials
- iCanQuit Smoking Cessation Among Hispanic Adults (PHASE3)
- Project DEDUCE: Digital Envirotyping to Develop Understanding of Cigarette Smoking and the Environment (PHASE4)
- STEPS: Substance Use Trial of E-cigarettes or Pharmacotherapy for Smoking (NA)
- Comparing Two Behavioral Approaches to Quitting Smoking in Mental Health Settings (NA)
- Effectiveness of an Integrated Treatment to Address Smoking Cessation and Anxiety/ Depression in People Living With HIV (NA)
- Varenicline and Combined NRT for Smoking Cessation (PHASE4)
- Depressed Mood Improvement Through Nicotine Dosing-3 (Depressed MIND3) Extension (PHASE2)
- Depressed Mood Improvement Through Nicotine Dosing 3 (PHASE2)
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 |