Nicotine Nasal Spray

Generic name: Nicotine Nasal Spray [ nik-oh-TEEN ]
Brand name: Nicotrol NS
Drug class: Smoking cessation agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 6, 2024.

Uses of Nicotine Nasal Spray:

It is used to treat nicotine withdrawal.
It is used to curb the craving to smoke.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nicotine Nasal Spray?

If you are allergic to nicotine nasal spray; any part of nicotine nasal spray; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have any of these health problems: Chest pain or pressure, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, or a recent heart attack.
If you still smoke, chew tobacco, or use other products that have nicotine while using nicotine nasal spray.
If you have asthma or nose problems like allergies, runny or stuffy nose, or nasal polyps.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with nicotine nasal spray.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take nicotine nasal spray with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Nicotine Nasal Spray?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take nicotine nasal spray. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Get counseling to help you quit smoking.
Do not use more than told. Unsafe side effects may happen.
Tell your doctor if you are taking another drug to help you stop smoking.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how nicotine nasal spray affects you.
If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
When you stop smoking, other drugs may be affected. Talk with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have not been able to quit smoking after using nicotine nasal spray for as long as it says to use it.
If the bottle breaks, do not get nicotine nasal spray on your skin. If it does get on your skin wash off with water right away.
During the first week, it is common to have a hot, peppery feeling in the back of the throat or nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, or runny nose. Using nicotine nasal spray on a regular basis during the first week will help you adjust to the side effects. If these side effects do not get better after a week, call your doctor.
This medicine may cause harm or be deadly if used or swallowed by children or pets. If a child uses nicotine nasal spray or if nicotine nasal spray is swallowed by a child or pet, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
If you are 65 or older, use nicotine nasal spray with care. You could have more side effects.
This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking nicotine nasal spray, call your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Nicotine Nasal Spray) best taken?

Use nicotine nasal spray as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

For the nose only.
Keep out of your eyes.
You will need to prime the pump before first use. You may also need to prime the pump if it has not been used for some time. Be sure you know when you need to prime the pump and how to do it. Talk with the doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Blow your nose before use.
When using, tilt your head back.
Spray up the nose only. Do not spray onto the wall joining the two nostrils.
Do not sniff, swallow, or breathe in through your nose while you are using your dose of nicotine nasal spray.
Breathe out from your mouth.
Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
Mood changes.
Feeling confused.
Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or an abnormal heartbeat.
A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
Dizziness.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Diarrhea.
Drooling.
Shakiness.
Feeling tired or weak.
Cold sweats.
Blurred eyesight.
Change in hearing.
Nose sores.
Mouth sores.

bupropion, varenicline, nicotine, Chantix, Nicoderm CQ, Nicorette

What are some other side effects of Nicotine Nasal Spray?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Trouble sleeping.
Bad dreams.
Feeling nervous and excitable.
Headache.
Joint pain.
Back pain.
Irritation where nicotine nasal spray is used.
Flu-like signs.
Gas.
Constipation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Nicotine Nasal Spray?

Store at room temperature.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about nicotine nasal spray, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.