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Habitrol Side Effects

Generic name: nicotine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 30, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Habitrol Side Effects associated with nicotine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Habitrol.

Applies to nicotine: gum, lozenge/troche.

Other dosage forms:

Precautions

It is important to finish the program completely. If you need to use oral nicotine (the active ingredient contained in Habitrol) for a longer period of time, talk to your doctor.

Pregnant women should only use this medicine as directed by a doctor. Cigarette smoke can seriously harm your child. Try to stop smoking without using medicine. Although this medicine is believed to be safer than smoking, the risks to your child from this medicine are not fully known.

Nicotine products must be kept out of the reach of children and pets. Small amounts of nicotine can cause serious unwanted effects in children, and used gum or lozenges may contain enough nicotine to cause problems. If the gum or lozenges are swallowed, contact your doctor or poison control center at once.

If the chewing gum sticks to your dental work or causes loose fillings, check with your medical doctor or dentist.

This medicine contains sodium. Talk to your doctor if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Habitrol

Some side effects of nicotine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • mouth sores, blisters, or irritation
  • nausea or vomiting
  • sore throat

Less common side effects

  • acid or sour stomach
  • belching
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • heartburn
  • hiccups
  • mouth, tooth, jaw, or neck pain
  • problems with teeth
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Serious side effects of Habitrol

Along with its needed effects, nicotine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nicotine:

Less common side effects

  • blurred vision
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nervousness
  • pounding in the ears

Rare side effects

  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • hives, itching, rash, redness, or swelling of the skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking nicotine:

Symptoms of overdose

For healthcare professionals

Applies to nicotine: compounding powder, inhalation device, nasal spray, oral transmucosal gum, oral transmucosal lozenge, transdermal film extended release.

General adverse events

Oral Formulations: The most commonly reported side effects were cough and irritation of the throat and mouth.

Nasal Spray: The most commonly reported side effects included nasal irritation, watering eyes, and cough.

Transdermal Patch: The most commonly reported side effects included local skin reactions (e.g., burning, edema, erythema, irritation, urticaria).[Ref]

Respiratory

INHALATOR/INHALER:

MOUTH SPRAY:

NASAL SPRAY:

NICOTINE BITARTRATE LOZENGE:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Nervous system

INHALATOR/INHALER:

MOUTH SPRAY:

NASAL SPRAY:

NICOTINE BITARTRATE LOZENGE:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Local

NASAL SPRAY:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Gastrointestinal

GUM:

INHALATOR/INHALER:

MOUTH SPRAY:

NASAL SPRAY:

NICOTINE BITARTRATE LOZENGE:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Psychiatric

INHALATOR/INHALER:

MOUTH SPRAY:

NASAL SPRAY:

NICOTINE BITARTRATE LOZENGE:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Hypersensitivity

NASAL SPRAY:

NICOTINE BITARTRATE LOZENGE:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Other

GUM:

INHALATOR/INHALER:

NASAL SPRAY:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Ocular

NASAL SPRAY:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Genitourinary

NASAL SPRAY:

Immunologic

INHALATOR/INHALER:

NASAL SPRAY:

Dermatologic

NASAL SPRAY:

NICOTINE BITARTRATE LOZENGE:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Cardiovascular

INHALATOR/INHALER:

NICOTINE BITARTRATE LOZENGE:

MOUTH SPRAY:

NASAL SPRAY:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Musculoskeletal

INHALATOR/INHALER:

NASAL SPRAY:

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:

Metabolic

MOUTH SPRAY:

NASAL SPRAY:

Hematologic

NASAL SPRAY:

See also:

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Habitrol (nicotine)." Basel Pharmaceuticals

2. (2001) "Product Information. Nicoderm (nicotine)." Hoechst Marion Roussel

3. (2022) "Product Information. ProStep (nicotine)." Lederle Laboratories

4. (2001) "Product Information. Nicorette (nicotine)." SmithKline Beecham

5. (2001) "Product Information. Nicotrol (nicotine)." McNeil Pharmaceutical

6. (2001) "Product Information. Nicotrol NS (nicotine)." McNeil Pharmaceutical

7. "Product Information. Nicoderm C-Q (nicotine)." SmithKline Beecham

8. (2003) "Product Information. Commit (nicotine)." GlaxoSmithKline Healthcare

9. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

10. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Habitrol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.