Symptoms: The minimum lethal dose of nicotine in a non-tolerant man has been estimated to be 40 to 60mg. Symptoms of acute nicotine poisoning include nausea, salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, sweating headache, dizziness, disturbed hearing and marked weakness. In extreme cases, these symptoms may be followed by hypotension, rapid or weak or irregular pulse, breathing difficulties, prostration, circulatory collapse and terminal convulsions.
Management of an overdose: All nicotine in-take should stop immediately and the patient should be treated symptomatically. Artificial respiration should be instituted if necessary. Activated charcoal reduces the gastro-intestinal absorption of nicotine
Hypersensitivity to any component of the inhalator.
NiQuitin CQ Inhalator is contraindicated in children under the age of 12 years.
Effects of smoking Cessation
Some symptoms may be related to nicotine withdrawal associated with stopping smoking. These can include; irritability/aggression, dysphoria/depressed mood, anxiety, restlessness, poor concentration, increased appetite/weight gain, urges to smoke (cravings), night-time awakenings/sleep disturbance and decreased heart rate.
Increased frequency of aphthous ulcer may occur after abstinence from smoking. The causality is unclear.
Adverse Drug Reactions
This product may cause adverse reactions similar to those associated with nicotine given by other means, including smoking, and these are mainly dose-dependent. At recommended doses this product has not been found to cause any serious adverse effects. Excessive use of NiQuitin CQ Inhalator by those who have not been in the habit of inhaling tobacco smoke could possibly lead to nausea, faintness or headaches.
Most of the undesirable effects reported by the patient occur during the first weeks after starting treatment. About 40% of users experience mild local reactions such as cough and irritation in the mouth and throat.
Allergic reactions (including symptoms of anaphylaxis) occur rarely during use of this product.
The adverse reactions observed in patients treated with oral nicotine formulations during clinical trials and post-marketing experience are listed below by system organ class (SOC).
Frequencies are defined in accordance with current guidance, as: Very common (>1/10); common (>1/100, <1/10); uncommon (>1/1 000, <1/100); rare (>1/10 000, <1/1 000); very rare (<1/10 000),Not known - cannot be estimated from the available data.
| System Organ Class | Incidence | Reported Adverse Event |
| Immune System Disorders | Common Not known | Hypersensitivitya Anaphylactic reactiona |
| Psychiatric disorders | Uncommon | Abnormal dreamsc |
| Nervous System Disorders | Very Common Common Common Common Common | Headachea# Burning sensation* Dizziness Dysgeusia Paraesthesiaa |
| Eye Disorders | Not known Not known | Blurred Vision Lacrimation increased |
| Cardiac Disorders | Uncommon Uncommon Very Rare | Palpitationsa Tachycardiaa Reversible atrial fibrillation |
| Vascular Disorders | Uncommon Uncommon | Flushinga Hypertensiona |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders | Very Common Very Common Common Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon | Cough** Throat irritation Nasal Congestion Bronchospasm Dysphonia Dyspnoeaa Sneezing Throat tightness |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | Very Common Very Common Very Common Common Common Common Common Common Common Common Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Rare Rare Rare Not known Not known Not known | Nauseaa Stomatitis Hiccupsb Abdominal pain Diarrhoea*** Dry mouth Dyspepsia Flatulence Salivary hypersecretion Vomitinga Eructation Glossitis Oral mucosal blistering and exfoliation Paraesthesia oral*** Dysphagia Hypoaesthesia oral*** Retching Dry throat Gastrointestinal discomforta Lip pain |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Not known Not known | Hyperhidrosisa Pruritusa Rasha Urticariaa Angioedemaa Erythemaa |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders | Uncommon Not known | Pain in Jawb Muscle tightnessb |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | Common Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon | Fatiguea Astheniaa Chest discomfort and paina Malaisea |
a Systemic effects; b Tightness of jaw and pain in jaw with nicotine gum formulation
c Identified only for formulations applied during the night
* At the application site
**Higher frequency observed in clinical studies with inhaler formulation.
***Reported the same or less frequently than placebo
# Although the frequency in the active group is less than that of the placebo group, the frequency in the specific formulation in which the PT was identified as a systemic ADR was greater in the active group than the placebo group.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
None stated.
NiQuitin CQ Inhalator relieves and/or prevents craving and nicotine withdrawal symptoms associated with tobacco dependence. It is indicated to aid smokers wishing to quit or reduce prior to quitting, to assist smokers who are unwilling or unable to smoke, and as a safer alternative to smoking for smokers and those around them.
NiQuitin CQ Inhalator is indicated in pregnant and lactating women making a quit attempt.
Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Drug for treatment of addiction.
ATC Code: N07B A01
NiQuitin CQ Inhalator facilitates uptake of nicotine through the buccal mucosa into the venous circulation. The amount taken up alleviates the craving symptoms caused by the absence of nicotine from smoking.
Increased appetite is a recognised symptom of nicotine withdrawal and post-cessation weight gain is common. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Nicotine Replacement Therapy can help control weight following a quit attempt.
The following information is based on data derived from NiQuitin CQ 10mg Inhalator:
Nicotine given i.v. has a volume of the distribution of 2 or 3 l/kg with a half life of 1-2 hours. Average plasma clearance is about 1-2 l/min mainly in the liver. More than 20 metabolites are known, all less active than nicotine: cotinine, with a half life of 15-20 hours and concentrations ten times that of nicotine is the main one.
Plasma binding of nicotine below 5% means significant displacement of drugs or nicotine is unlikely. Nicotine is excreted in the urine principally as cotinine (15%), 3-hydroxycotinine (45%), nicotine (10%).
Most inhaled nicotine is absorbed via the buccal mucosa. Forced rapid inhalation over 20 minutes, results in a wide range of nicotine doses (1.3-6.2 mg). On average 2 mg of nicotine is released during 20 minutes of intensive use. Uptake is slow and free of the peaks resultant from cigarette smoking. In normal use, plasma levels of 6-8ng/ml nicotine are obtained - about one third that from smoking, which is equivalent to an hourly 2mg nicotine chewing gum.
When used like a cigarette the inhalator on average delivers 1mg in 80 puffs (e.g. 8 puffs per minute for 10 minutes). When used in this way this results in, a degree of nicotine substitution of about 50% compared to hourly smoking. Peak plasma levels occur within 15 minutes after the end of inhalation. Forced rapid inhalation for 20 minutes per hour for 12 hours achieved steady state plasma levels of 20-25ng/ml.
Ambient temperature affects volatilisation of nicotine, the biologically available dose rising by 35% for each 10°C above 20°C. Use below 15°C is not recommended.
Because the pattern of use if decided by the patient up to a limit of 6 cartridges per day to relieve craving, therapeutic levels of nicotine are individual, dictated by the level of dependence.
Any risks that may be associated with NRT are substantially outweighed by the well established dangers of continued smoking.
Underlying cardiovascular disease: In stable cardiovascular disease this product presents a lesser hazard than continuing to smoke. However dependent smokers currently hospitalised as a result of myocardial infarction, unstable or worsening angina including Prinzmetal's angina, severe dysrhythmia or CVA and who are considered to be haemodynamically unstable and/or who have uncontrolled hypertension should be encouraged to stop smoking with non-pharmacological interventions. If this fails, this product may be considered, but as data on safety in this patient group are limited, initiation should only be under medical supervision.
Diabetes mellitus: Patients with diabetes mellitus should be advised to monitor their blood sugar levels more closely than usual when NRT is initiated as catecholamines released by nicotine can affect carbohydrate metabolism.
GI disease: Swallowed nicotine may exacerbate symptoms in patients suffering from oesophagitis, gastritis or peptic ulcers and oral NRT preparations should be used with caution in these conditions. Ulcerative stomatitis has been reported.
Renal or hepatic impairment: This product should be used with caution in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment and/or severe renal impairment as the clearance of nicotine or its metabolites may be decreased with the potential for increased adverse effects.
Danger in small children: Doses of nicotine tolerated by adult and adolescent smokers can produce severe toxicity in small children that may be fatal. Products containing nicotine should not be left where they may be misused, handled or ingested by children. If a child swallows, chews or sucks on the nicotine cartridge (used as well as unused) there is a risk of poisoning in the child.
Phaeochromocytoma and uncontrolled hyperthyroidism: As nicotine causes release of catecholamines, this product should be used with caution in patients with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism or phaeochromocytoma.
Transferred dependence: Transferred dependence is rare and is both less harmful and easier to break than smoking dependence.
Stopping smoking: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke induce the metabolism of drugs metabolised by CYP 1A2 (and possibly by CYP 1A1). When a smoker stops smoking, this may result in slower metabolism and a consequent rise in blood levels of such drugs. This is of potential clinical importance for products with a narrow therapeutic window, e.g. theophylline, clozapine and ropinirole.
Lung Disease: Patients with obstructive lung disease may find use of the Inhalator difficult. Nicotine Gum, Patch, Nasal Spray or Sublingual tablet may be preferred in such cases. This product should be used with caution in patients with chronic throat disease and bronchospastic disease.
Allergic reactions: Susceptibility to angioedema and urticaria.
Potential choking hazard: This product contains some small parts. Any unused cartridges should remain in the cartridge tray to minimise the risk of swallowing.
This medicinal product has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Adults and Children over 12 years of age
NiQuitin CQ Inhalator should be used whenever the urge to smoke is felt or to prevent cravings in situations where these are likely to occur.
Smokers willing or able to stop smoking immediately should initially replace all their cigarettes with the Inhalator and as soon as they are able, reduce the number of cartridges used until they have stopped completely.
Smokers aiming to reduce cigarettes should use the Inhalator, as needed, between smoking episodes to prolong smoke-free intervals and with the intention to reduce smoking as much as possible.
As soon as they are ready smokers should aim to quit smoking completely.
Maximum daily dose: 6 cartridges.
When making a quit attempt behavioural therapy, advice and support will normally improve the success rate. Those who have quit smoking, but are having difficulty discontinuing their Inhalator are recommended to contact their pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Each cartridge can be used for approximately eight 5-minute sessions, with each cartridge lasting approximately 40 minutes of intense use. The more the subject is able to use the inhalator, the easier it will be to achieve maximum reduction of cigarettes and/or quit smoking completely.
Method of administration
The cartridge is inserted into the mouthpiece according to the instructions.
When a patient draws air into the mouth through the mouthpiece, nicotine is vaporised and absorbed by the buccal mucosa. Minimal nicotine reaches the lungs. The amount of nicotine from a puff is less than that from a cigarette. To compensate for less nicotine delivery from a puff it is necessary to inhale more often than when smoking a cigarette.
The number of cartridges, frequency, puffing/inhalation time and technique does vary between individuals.
The actual time that the cartridge is active depends on the intensity of use. After about 40 minutes of intense use the maximal dose is achieved and it is about then that the nicotine amounts released from the cartridge begin to fall away, such that the cartridge is rejected by the user.
Potential choking hazard: This product contains some small parts. Any unused cartridges should remain in the cartridge tray to minimise the risk of swallowing.
Because of residual nicotine, used cartridges may be a hazard to children, animals and fish and so should never be thrown away or left lying around. They should be kept in the case and disposed of with household rubbish.
