Nicotine Alternatives

Nicotine is available in various forms as an aid to quitting smoking. Nicotine skin patches are available in nonprescription and prescription strengths. Nicotine gum is available without prescription. Nicotine nasal spray and oral inhaler are available by prescription.

Safetychecker Summary for Nicotine Alternatives
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the medication in the body.	Acidic foods and beverages
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.	Lobelia
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

Interactions with Herbs

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Lobelia is the plant from which the drug lobeline was isolated. Lobeline produces effects similar to nicotine.¹ Combined use of nicotine and lobeline may increase the risk of nicotine side effects. No interactions have been reported with nicotine and lobelia, and in fact research has suggested lobeline may be useful as an aid to stopping smoking.²

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Absorption of nicotine from nicotine gum requires mildly alkaline saliva.³ Acidic foods and beverages (coffee, colas, fruit, fruit juices, and others) may reduce nicotine absorption. This potential interaction may be avoided by chewing nicotine gum one hour before or after consuming acidic food and beverages.

References:

1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Miscellaneous Products, Smoking Deterrents, Lobeline. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1993, 736i.

2. Davison GC, Rosen RC. Lobeline and reduction of cigarette smoking. Psychol Rep 1972;31:443–56.

3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Miscellaneous Products, Smoking Deterrents, Nicotine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Aug 1993, 736a–6h.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.