Nicotine Inhalers

A nicotine inhaler is a cigarette-like device consisting of a cartridge containing nicotine with menthol. When you inhale, the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth and upper esophagus. The nicotine dose is about 1/10th of a puff of a cigarette. This quit smoking option is generally reserved for heavy smokers. In fact, for the very best results, you’ll want to use the inhaler for twenty minutes or more. To relieve most withdrawal symptoms and for the best chance at success, six to sixteen cartridges may be consumed throughout the day.

Nicotine inhalers, as well as nicotine sprays, work faster than gums. In addition, because they resemble a cigarette, they can be used in most situations. In other words, they’re handy.

On the downside, you might experience side effects such as a burning sensation in the nasal tissues or throat, a stomach ache, or nausea. The inhalers are more expensive than gums (prices can range from $40 to $55 per package). Though convenient, in some cases inhalers are so close to the real smoking experience that they continue to promote the rituals and routines of smoking.

Nicotine inhalers are only available by prescription. They come packaged in a plastic storage case, 42 cartridges altogether. Each cartridge provides up to 300 to 400 puffs. Just as with a patch, the dose is gradually reduced over a period of time until your cravings are dramatically reduced or no longer exist. It’s recommended that you do not continue to use inhalers beyond six months.

The use of nicotine inhalers require caution for a number of health conditions, including bronchospastic disease, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, insulin-dependent diabetes, or accelerated hypertension.