Shop products for Nicotine Alternatives 
Also indexed as: Habitrol®, Nicoderm®, Nicorette Microtab® Tablets, Nicorette®, Nicorette® Gum, Nicorette® Patches, Nicorette® Spray, Nicotinell TTS® Patches, Nicotinell®, Nicotinell® Gum, Nicotinell® Lozenges, Nicotrol®, Nicotrol® Inhaler, Nicotrol® NS, NiQuitin CQ® Patches, Prostep®
Nicotine is available in various forms as an aid to quitting smoking. Nicotine skin patches are available in nonprescription and prescription strengths. Nicotine gum is available without prescription. Nicotine nasal spray and oral inhaler are available by prescription.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid
these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption
and/or activity of the medication in the body. |
Acidic foods and beverages |
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements
or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Lobelia |
| Depletion or interference |
None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known |
| Supportive interaction |
None known |
| Adverse interaction |
None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Herbs
Lobelia (Lobelia
inflata)
Lobelia is the plant from which the drug lobeline was isolated. Lobeline produces effects
similar to nicotine.1 Combined use of nicotine and lobeline may increase the risk
of nicotine side effects. No interactions have been reported with nicotine and lobelia, and in
fact research has suggested lobeline may be useful as an aid to stopping
smoking.2
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Absorption of nicotine from nicotine gum requires mildly alkaline saliva.3 Acidic
foods and beverages (coffee, colas, fruit, fruit juices, and others) may reduce nicotine absorption.
This potential interaction may be avoided by chewing nicotine gum one hour before or after
consuming acidic food and beverages.
References
1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Miscellaneous Products, Smoking Deterrents, Lobeline. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1993, 736i.
2. Davison GC, Rosen RC. Lobeline and reduction of cigarette smoking. Psychol Rep 1972;31:443–56.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Miscellaneous Products, Smoking Deterrents, Nicotine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Aug 1993, 736a–6h.
