NICOTINE POLACRILEX
About
NICOTINE POLACRILEX belongs to a group of medications called nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) used to reduce the craving to smoke and tobacco usage. Nicotine is a chemical present in tobacco that causes addiction. Taking nicotine through smoking or chewing tobacco for a prolonged period causes nicotine addiction that increases the risk of various medical problems like heart disease, lung disease and cancer.
NICOTINE POLACRILEX contains Nicotine polacrilex, which acts as a smoking cessation aid. It helps in quitting nicotine (tobacco) use by slowly adjusting the body to have less craving to use nicotine. As a result, over time, a person does not crave nicotine anymore.
Take NICOTINE POLACRILEX as suggested by your doctor. You are advised to take NICOTINE POLACRILEX for as long as your doctor has suggested it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience dizziness, headache, throat irritation, hiccups, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or itchy skin. Most of these side effects of NICOTINE POLACRILEX do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to NICOTINE POLACRILEX or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and consult a doctor. NICOTINE POLACRILEX is not recommended for children below 18 years. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX as it may enhance the craving associated with alcohol use and reduce the effectiveness of NICOTINE POLACRILEX. You are recommended to avoid using too many gums/lozenges/pastilles as it may cause adverse effects, such as vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, headache, diarrhoea, hearing disturbance or increased salivation.
Uses of NICOTINE POLACRILEX
Medicinal Benefits
NICOTINE POLACRILEX is a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) agent used to quit smoking or chewing tobacco habit. Nicotine replacement therapy is a WHO-approved program that helps to quit smoking within just 12 weeks. NRT is a part of a total stop-smoking program that includes counselling, support, and behaviour change. NICOTINE POLACRILEX works by adjusting the body to take less nicotine until a person does not crave nicotine. NICOTINE POLACRILEX provides a small dose of nicotine without providing harmful elements like tar and carbon monoxide present in tobacco products.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of NICOTINE POLACRILEX
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Throat irritation
- Hiccups
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Itchy skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to NICOTINE POLACRILEX or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you have cardiovascular disease, pheochromocytoma (noncancerous (benign) tumour in the adrenal gland), diabetes, hyperthyroidism, peptic ulcer or liver disease, inform your doctor before taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX. Avoid taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and consult a doctor. NICOTINE POLACRILEX is not recommended for children below 18 years. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX as it may enhance the craving associated with alcohol use and may also reduce the effectiveness of nicotine replacement products. You are recommended to avoid using too many gums/lozenges/pastilles as it may cause adverse effects, such as vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, headache, diarrhoea, hearing disturbance or increased salivation.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: NICOTINE POLACRILEX may interact with bronchodilators (theophylline), decongestants (phenylephrine), high blood pressure lowering medicines (labetalol, prazosin), medicines that treat slow heart rate/bradycardia (isoproterenol), water pills (furosemide), antidiabetic drugs (insulin), and antidepressants (amitriptyline).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid drinking colas or coffee for 15 minutes before using nicotine replacement products. Also, avoid alcohol consumption with NICOTINE POLACRILEX.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have cardiovascular diseases, pheochromocytoma (noncancerous (benign) tumour in the adrenal gland), diabetes, hyperthyroidism/overactive thyroid, peptic ulcer, kidney or liver problems, please inform your doctor before taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeTaking NICOTINE POLACRILEX immediately before drinking alcohol will enhance the craving associated with alcohol use and may also reduce the effectiveness of nicotine replacement product. Thus, a person should not consume alcohol while taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX.
Pregnancy
cautionNicotine products may harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, it is advised to stop smoking without using an alternate nicotine replacement product. If this seems impossible, please consult a doctor and do as advised. NICOTINE POLACRILEX should be used during pregnancy only if the doctor has suggested it.
Breast Feeding
cautionNICOTINE POLACRILEX may be excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor before using NICOTINE POLACRILEX if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
safe if suggestedNICOTINE POLACRILEX usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionTake NICOTINE POLACRILEX with caution if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake NICOTINE POLACRILEX with caution if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeA child or adolescent who is under 18 years should not take NICOTINE POLACRILEX without a doctor's advice.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Tobacco inhibits the absorption of essential vitamins, and nutrients, such as calcium and vitamins C and D. Thus, take more fruits and vegetables into the diet, which will help to restore these nutrients and reduce cravings to smoke.
- Ginseng could weaken dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is connected with pleasure and is released during tobacco consumption. Taking ginseng tea could reduce the craving for smoking.
- Chewing gum and mints are the best way to keep your mouth busy, especially when you feel an urge to smoke, so try to chew normal gums more.
- Physical workouts can help a person overcome tobacco cravings. When a person gets involved in physical exercise like cycling, running, and walking, their attention gets diverted to exercise, and they do not feel the urge to take nicotine for some time.
Special Advise
- The patient should immediately stop taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX if he/she experiences nicotine overdose symptoms like palpitation (a feeling that the heart is racing or pounding), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- If you have dental or gum problems, contact the doctor before using nicotine chewing gums.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Tobacco (nicotine) addiction: Smoking or chewing tobacco is both a psychological habit and physical dependence. Tobacco contains a chemical called nicotine, which is short-lived but highly addictive, and its regular usage can make a person crave it. Breathing or chewing tobacco provides a rush of adrenaline in the bloodstream, and it also triggers dopamine that is associated with the pleasure and reward centre of the brain. Regular nicotine consumption is hazardous for health and puts a person at a high risk of lung and heart diseases. However, quitting nicotine is not an easy task. It causes withdrawal symptoms in the body, including irritability, frustration, anger, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, restlessness, depressed mood and insomnia (sleeplessness or lack of sleep).
FAQs
NICOTINE POLACRILEX belongs to a group of medications called nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) used to reduce the craving to smoke and tobacco usage. Nicotine is a chemical present in tobacco that causes addiction.
NICOTINE POLACRILEX contains Nicotine that acts as a smoking cessation aid. It helps in quitting nicotine (tobacco) use by slowly adjusting the body to have less craving to use nicotine.
You are recommended to avoid drinking coffee and soft drinks 15 minutes before taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX as they may reduce NICOTINE POLACRILEX absorption.
NICOTINE POLACRILEX may be used to treat nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, low mood, cravings and restlessness. Please consult your doctor for more information.
You are recommended to avoid taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX if you have/had heart disease, irregular heartbeats, a heart attack, stroke, untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcer, seizure (fits), and if you are on a low sodium (table salt) diet. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you have any of these conditions before taking NICOTINE POLACRILEX.
You are recommended not to smoke even if you feel the urge to smoke while using NICOTINE POLACRILEX, as it may lead to the accumulation of nicotine at high levels.
