What is nicotine polacrilex?

Use reduces withdrawal symptoms, including nicotine craving, associated with quitting smoking

Can you take nicotine polacrilex with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run nicotine polacrilex against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is nicotine polacrilex sold under?

We track 3 nicotine polacrilex-containing products in the U.S.: Nicorette, Nicorette (Mint) and Nicotine Polacrilex. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does nicotine polacrilex come in?

Across the brands we track, nicotine polacrilex is currently marketed as lozenge, gum and chewing, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic nicotine polacrilex?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic nicotine polacrilex product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Nicotine Polacrilex: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Nicotine Polacrilex is a medicine sold in the U.S. under 3 brand and generic names, for ulcerative colitis and tobacco use disorder. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Treats: Ulcerative Colitis and Tobacco Use Disorder
Available as: Lozenge · Gum · Chewing
Sold as: 3 products — Nicorette, Nicorette (Mint) and Nicotine Polacrilex
Prescription?: Over the counter
Generic available?: Yes

How nicotine polacrilex is dosed

From the FDA label for Nicorette (application NDA018612). Other nicotine polacrilex products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Directions (2 mg) if you are under 18 years of age, ask a doctor before use before using this product, read the enclosed User’s Guide for complete directions and other important information begin using the gum on your quit day if you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up, use 4 mg nicotine gum if you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up, use 2 mg nicotine gum according to the following 12 week schedule: Weeks 1 to 6 Weeks 7 to 9 Weeks 10 to 12 1 piece every 1 to 2 hours 1 piece every 2 to 4 hours 1 piece every 4 to 8 hours nicotine gum is a medicine and must be used a certain way to get the best results chew the gum slowly until it tingles. Then park it between your cheek and gum. When the tingle is gone, begin chewing again, until the tingle returns. repeat this process until most of the tingle is gone (about 30 minutes) do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before chewing the nicotine gum, or while chewing a piece to improve your chances of quitting, use at least 9 pieces per day for the first 6 weeks if you experience strong or frequent cravings, you may use a second piece within the hour. However, do not continuously use one piece after another since this may cause you hiccups, heartburn, nausea or other side effects. do not use more than 24 pieces a day it is important to complete treatment. If you feel you need to use the gum…

Every nicotine polacrilex product we track (3)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Nicotine Polacrilex products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Nicorette	72/100	Over-the-counter	Lozenge	—	—	View →
2	Nicorette (Mint)	72/100	Over-the-counter	Gum	—	—

What nicotine polacrilex pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Nicotine Polacrilex pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
L344	2 mg	white	round	—

Frequently asked questions

What is nicotine polacrilex?: Use reduces withdrawal symptoms, including nicotine craving, associated with quitting smoking
Can you take nicotine polacrilex with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run nicotine polacrilex against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is nicotine polacrilex sold under?: We track 3 nicotine polacrilex-containing products in the U.S.: Nicorette, Nicorette (Mint) and Nicotine Polacrilex. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does nicotine polacrilex come in?: Across the brands we track, nicotine polacrilex is currently marketed as lozenge, gum and chewing, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
Is there a generic nicotine polacrilex?: Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic nicotine polacrilex product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.