Nicotine Transdermal System

Nicotine Transdermal System

Nicotine transdermal system, better known as “the patch,” is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs to aid the quitting process. Manufacturers name these systems things like Nicotrol, Habitrol and Nicoderm CQ, which give a glimpse of what the nicotine transdermal system is designed to do.
Here is a breakdown of what this nicotine replacement system offers:

Nicotine

Nicotine, the addictive poison in tobacco products, is first isolated out of the tobacco plant. This “pure” nicotine, or nicotine sulfate, is highly volatile chemical that dissolves in water. Nicotine Sulfate is classified as a super toxin by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Just 5 mg/kg, about 7 drops of the liquid, can be lethal to grown adult weighing 150 pounds.

The amount of nicotine in the patch, anywhere from 21 to 7 mg, is delivered over a 16 to 24 hour period. Depending on the type of patch, the nicotine is contained behind a barrier that slowly releases the drug, or it is imbedded in the adhesive of the patch, releasing it into the skin slowly.

Transdermal

This literally means “entering through the dermis, or skin.” Based on the science that the nicotine molecule is smaller than the pores on the skin, drug companies developed this delivery method to help curb strong cravings for tobacco products. Sometimes irritation can occur while using the patch. This may be because of the adhesive, or the nicotine itself.

System

Makers of the patch have designed a system of use that includes an 8 to 16 week plan. Starting with the highest dose and “stepping down” through the dosage levels, the system is designed to mimic the smoking cessation process by delivering less and less nicotine to the brain’s reward receptors. Just like smoking cessation, when decreasing the dose ex-smokers might find it easier to find replacement activities, such as taking a walk, when cravings strike.

References:
http://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/1181
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/nicotine+transdermal+system
http://www.drugs.com/pro/nicotine-transdermal-system-step-1.html
http://www.drugs.com/pro/nicotine-transdermal-system.html
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/transdermal

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