Nic-Hit Spray
This product is manufactured by AA Pharma using the ingredient nicotine.
This product is taken orally.
play
orally
Why is it prescribed?
As an aid to smoking cessation for partial relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This treatment should be used as part of a comprehensive behavioural smoking-cessation program.
This mouth spray is formulated to deliver nicotine into your system through the lining of your mouth rather than in your stomach (like most other medications).
Screw the spray assembly to the bottle.
Press the top of the spray assembly to produce one spray of the solution, avoiding the spray from touching your lips. To avoid the solution from reaching your throat, do not inspire at the time of vaporization of the product. For best results, refrain from swallowing your saliva for a few seconds after spraying.
Replace the protective cap on the spray assembly after use.
Avoid drinking beverages, especially acidic ones (such as coffee, juices, and soda pop), for 15 minutes before and after you use the spray. Your body may not absorb the nicotine well because of the acid in these drinks.
Alternatives
Other products that have the same ingredient as Nic-Hit Spray are •Habitrol® patches •Nic-Hit Gum •Nic-Hit mini lozenge •Nicoderm® patches •Nicorette® gum •Nicorette® inhaler •Nicorette® Mini Lozenges •Nicorette® Quick Mist •Nicotine Gum •Nicotine Patch •Thrive® gum •Thrive® lozenges •
See other products used in the treatment of •nicotine withdrawal symptoms •nicotine addiction •
For the 1mg Spray:
Step #1: weeks 1-6
Spray 1-2 doses, 1-24 times a day, of 1 mg Nic-Hit liquid into your mouth, whenever you would normally smoke a cigarette or have cravings for a cigarette. Use the second spray if your cravings do not disappear within a few minutes. If 2 sprays are required, future doses may be delivered as 2 consecutive sprays.
The maximum daily dose is 48 sprays per day providing up to 48 mg of nicotine
Step #2: weeks 7-9
Start reducing the number of sprays per day. By the end of week 9 you should be using half the average number of sprays per day that you used in step #1.
Step #3: weeks 10-12
Continue reducing the number of sprays per day so that you are not using more than 2-4 sprays per day during week 12.
At the end of week 12, stop using the Nic-Hit spray
For the 2mg Spray:
Step #1: weeks 1-6
Spray 1 dose, 1-32 times a day, of 2 mg Nic-Hit liquid into your mouth, whenever you would normally smoke a cigarette or have cravings for a cigarette.
The maximum daily dose is 32 sprays per day providing up to 64 mg of nicotine.
Step #2: weeks 7-9
Start reducing the number of sprays per day. By the end of week 9 you should be using half the average number of sprays per day that you used in step #1.
Step #3: weeks 10-12
Continue reducing the number of sprays per day so that you are not using more than 2-4 sprays per day during week 12.
At the end of week 12, stop using the Nic-Hit spray.
You may be tempted to smoke again after treatment has stopped. If you have a craving use 2 sprays if one spray does not help within a few minutes.
Normally you should take Nic-Hit spray for 3 months but not longer than 6 months. Consult your professional health care provider or pharmacist if you need to use the Nic-Hit spray for longer than 6 months. Save any remaining doses of the spray as craving for smoking may suddenly occur.
Nicotine replacement therapy provides a lower level of nicotine to your blood than cigarettes, and allows the body's need for nicotine to gradually go away. It works as a temporary aid to help with smoking cessation by reducing nicotine cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Along with its needed effects, nicotine replacement may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, nicotine replacement is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:
- belching
- increased appetite
- injury or irritation to mouth, teeth or dental work (chewing gum only)
- trouble sleeping
- unusual dreams
Rare:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- high blood pressure
- hives
- rash
- stomach pain
- coughing
- irritability
Do not continue to smoke while using nicotine replacement products.(If using nicotine gum to cut back, do not smoke at the same time as chewing gum.) If you smoke or use other nicotine-containing products while using nicotine replacement you may get a nicotine overdose. Signs of an overdose include headaches, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, cold sweat, blurred vision, difficulty with hearing, mental confusion, weakness and fainting, rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms contact your doctor or Poison Control Centre at once.
Do not use nicotine replacement therapy if you have:
- certain heart conditions (e.g. heart attacks, heart beat irregularities)is contraindicated.
- recent stroke
- skin diseases
- known allergy to the patches or to nicotine
Consult your doctor first if you have ever had any of the following:
- irregular heart beat (arrhythmia)
- high blood pressure
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- stomach ulcers
- kidney or liver disease
- diabetes requiring insulin
- treatment for poor circulation
- rashes from adhesive tape or bandages
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The concentration of medication in the body may be altered by smoking cessation with or without nicotine replacement. The dosage of certain medications may require adjustment. Drugs whose concentrations may be affected by smoking cessation include:
- acetaminophen
- imipramine
- oxazepam
- propranolol
- theophylline
- insulin
- prazosin
- labetalol
Use in pregnancy: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect you are pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.