Nicotine patch
NICODERM CQ
Pronunciation: NIK-oe-teen
What it isNicotine transdermal patch (NICODERM CQ, Rx ~1991, OTC 1996) is a neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist for smoking cessation.
Why this oneSteady 16-24 h nicotine delivery provides baseline coverage without reinforcing peaks and works best with gum or lozenge for breakthrough craving.
What limits itSkin irritation and vivid dreams are common; remove at night if dreams or insomnia interfere, and rotate sites.
FDA-approved for
- smoking cessation (~1991)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking cessation aid — reduces withdrawal symptoms/craving (>10 cigarettes/day) | Adults | 21 mg/day (Step 1, weeks 1–6) | 14 mg/day (Step 2, weeks 7–8) | 7 mg/day (Step 3, weeks 9–10) then stop |
| Smoking cessation aid — reduces withdrawal symptoms/craving (≤10 cigarettes/day) | Adults | 14 mg/day (Step 2, 6 weeks) | 7 mg/day (Step 3, 2 weeks) | 7 mg/day then stop |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Apply one new patch every 24 hours to dry, clean, hairless skin; press for 10 seconds
- Rotate to a different skin site each day; do not wear more than one patch at a time
- May wear 16 or 24 hours; remove at bedtime if vivid dreams/sleep disturbances
- Do not cut the patch; wash hands after applying/removing
- Under 18 years of age, ask a doctor before use
Available strengths
- patch 7, 14, 21 mg/24 hr
Cautions
- Ask a doctor before use with heart disease, recent heart attack, or irregular heartbeat (nicotine can increase heart rate)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Allergy to adhesive tape or skin problems
- Stomach ulcers or diabetes
- History of seizures
- Taking prescription medicine for depression or asthma (dose may need adjustment)
- If pregnant or breast-feeding, use only on advice of a healthcare provider
Adverse reactions
- Skin redness/swelling/rash at patch site
- Vivid dreams or other sleep disturbances
- Symptoms of nicotine overdose (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, rapid heartbeat)
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Pregnancy If pregnant, use only on the advice of a healthcare provider; try to stop smoking without nicotine replacement
Lactation If breast-feeding, use only on the advice of a healthcare provider
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 mg/24 hr | patch | per unit | $1.82/ea | offered |
| 14 mg/24 hr | patch | per unit | $1.85/ea | offered |
| 21 mg/24 hr | patch | per unit | $1.87/ea | offered |
Other forms: Nicotine gum (NICORETTE) · Nicotine lozenge (NICORETTE) · Nicotine inhaler (NICOTROL INHALER)
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskLocal irritation; vivid dreams with the overnight patch
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Open Nicotine patch in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: interaction avatars
