Nicotine Transdermal System Step 2

Generic name: Nicotine

Drug class: Smoking cessation agents

Dosage form: Transdermal patch

Root of administration: Transdermal

Dose: 14 mg delivered over 24 hours

Mechanism of action: Nicotine acts as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, stimulating the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce the urge to smoke.

Drug usage cases:

• Smoking cessation aid
• Reduction of nicotine withdrawal symptoms
• Management of nicotine cravings during the process of quitting smoking

Drug contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to nicotine or any component of the patch
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with severe skin conditions at the application site

Side effects:

• Skin irritation at the application site (redness, itching, burning)
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Vivid dreams
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Abnormal dreams
• Skin rash

Warnings:

• Do not smoke while using the nicotine patch to avoid nicotine overdose.
• Remove the patch before undergoing MRI procedures to prevent burns.
• Do not cut the patch or wear more than one at a time.
• Do not leave the patch on for more than 24 hours to prevent skin irritation.
• Consult a healthcare provider before use if you have heart disease, recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Use with caution in individuals with a history of seizures or eating disorders.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets; used patches contain enough nicotine to be harmful if ingested.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Nicotine replacement therapy is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the fetus or nursing infant. If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is considering using nicotine replacement therapy, it should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider, weighing the potential benefits against the risks.