Key takeaways:
Nicotrol NS (nicotine nasal spray) is a prescription nicotine replacement therapy that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It may work best when combined with a smoking-cessation program or, if approved by your prescriber, a nicotine patch.
To use Nicotrol NS, spray once in each nostril per dose. Do not sniff or inhale the medication. A burning sensation is common at first but usually improves after about a week.
You’ll usually start with 1 to 2 doses of Nicotrol NS per hour and adjust based on your symptoms. Don’t exceed 5 doses per hour or 40 doses per day. After 8 weeks, you may stop the medication or taper your doses over time.
Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase Nicotrol NS at an exclusive cash price.
Save on related medications
If you’re trying to quit smoking, you may be wondering about medications that can help. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products are common options. Studies show that people who use NRT are more likely to quit smoking than those who try to quit cold turkey.
There are many types of over-the-counter NRT products. But there are also prescription-only options. One popular prescription medication is Nicotrol NS (nicotine nasal spray).
But how do you use Nicotrol NS? And how does it work to help you quit smoking? Here’s what you should know.
What is the Nicotrol Inhaler?
The Nicotrol Inhaler is a nicotine inhaler that can help you quit smoking. It looks like a small, plastic cigarette. It’s typically used throughout the day to deliver a dose of nicotine each time you use it.
Frequent use of the Nicotrol Inhaler can help reduce your cravings for nicotine from cigarettes. It also helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms, like nausea and irritability.
The Nicotrol Inhaler feels similar to having a cigarette in your hand. This may help you overcome the physical aspect of nicotine dependence, as well.
What is Nicotrol Nasal Spray?
Nicotrol NS is a nasal spray that contains 1 mg of nicotine per dose (2 sprays, 1 in each nostril). Each 10 mL bottle contains about 100 doses (200 sprays).
Nicotrol NS is designed to help you quit smoking by replacing cigarettes with a safer form of nicotine. You’ll decrease the amount of Nicotrol NS you use over time. This helps reduce nicotine cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms, which can increase the odds that you’ll stop smoking.
Do I need a prescription for Nicotrol Nasal Spray?
Yes. Other forms of NRT — such as the patch, gum, and lozenges — are available without a prescription. But Nicotrol NS is available only with a prescription from a healthcare professional.
How to use Nicotrol Nasal Spray
To use Nicotrol NS, follow these steps:
Apply pressure to the circles on both sides of the bottle, then pull off the cap.
If you’re using the bottle for the first time, or it’s been more than 24 hours since you last used it, you’ll need to prime it. To do this, hold the nasal spray up to a paper towel or a tissue. Pump the container by pressing up on the bottom until you see a fine spray come out of the nozzle. Discard the tissue.
Blow your nose if it isn’t already clear.
Tilt your head back slightly, and insert the tip of the bottle into one nostril as far as is comfortable.
Spray one time into the nostril. Then repeat on the other side. Do not sniff or inhale while spraying. Just breathe normally through your mouth.
Put the cap on the bottle.
If your nose runs after using Nicotrol NS, gently sniff to keep the medication in your nose.
After 2 to 3 minutes, you can blow your nose if needed.
Good to know: You should stop smoking before you start using Nicotrol NS. If you aren’t able to fully stop smoking within the first 4 weeks of treatment, it’s best to talk to your prescriber about dosing changes or other treatment options.
How often should you use Nicotrol Nasal Spray?
In most cases, you’ll start with 1 to 2 doses (2 to 4 sprays) of Nicotrol NS every hour. You can increase or decrease your dosage from there based on your symptoms.
You should use Nicotrol NS at least 8 times per day for the first week. This helps you adjust to the side effects and ensures you’re getting enough nicotine into your system for Nicotrol NS to work effectively.
You shouldn’t use Nicotrol NS more than 5 times per hour or more than 40 times per day.
When should you stop using Nicotrol Nasal Spray?
It’s recommended to use Nicotrol NS for up to 8 weeks after you’ve stopped smoking. But you may need to use Nicotrol NS for up to 6 months in some cases.
There isn’t a set method for stopping Nicotrol NS. Some people can stop using the medication all at once. Others prefer to reduce how often they use Nicotrol NS over 4 to 6 weeks. For example, you can spray the medication into one nostril with each dose, instead of both. You can also try to skip doses or increase the time between each dose. Your prescriber can offer guidance on when and how to stop using Nicotrol NS based on your medical history and preferences.
How effective is Nicotrol Nasal Spray?
About twice as many people were able to quit smoking using Nicotrol NS compared with those using a placebo (spray with no medication in it) in clinical studies. It also seems to be more effective for heavy smokers than other smoking-cessation options.
You can help increase the effectiveness of Nicotrol NS by combining it with a smoking-cessation program that includes individual or group counseling.
Keep in mind that everyone responds differently to medication. If Nicotrol NS doesn’t work for you, ask your prescriber about other options. These may include other NRT products or prescription medications, such as Chantix (varenicline) or Zyban (bupropion SR).
Can I combine the Nicotrol Inhaler with other NRT products?
Yes, but only if your prescriber OKs it. Studies have shown that combining Nicotrol NS with nicotine patches may increase the likelihood that you’ll quit smoking. This is because Nicotrol NS works quickly to address cravings and withdrawal symptoms. But the patch helps your body maintain a baseline level of nicotine throughout the day.
Still, combining these treatments can raise the risk of nicotine-related side effects. Be sure to discuss it with your prescriber first, so they can guide you on what dosages to use and how to combine these NRT options safely.
Side effects of the Nicotrol NS
Nicotrol NS can cause a hot, peppery feeling in your nose or the back of your throat. It can also cause you to cough, sneeze, or have watery eyes. These side effects are most common during the first week of treatment. They typically improve with regular use, so it’s best to stick with at least 8 doses per day until your body adjusts.
Headache is another common Nicotrol NS side effect. Headaches can also result from nicotine withdrawal or too much nicotine in the body. Talk to your prescriber about adjusting your dosage until you find the right fit. If headaches worsen or don’t improve, be sure to let them know.
Nicotrol NS can also increase your heart rate. It’s best to talk to your prescriber before using it if you have a history of heart problems.
Using more Nicotrol NS than recommended (more than 5 times per hour or 40 times per day) can raise the risk of nicotine toxicity. Signs and symptoms can include:
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Sweating
Dizziness
Trouble breathing
Seek emergency care if these symptoms appear while you’re using Nicotrol NS.
Ways to save on the cost of Nicotrol Nasal Spray
Nicotrol NS is available only as a brand-name medication. But anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase Nicotrol NS at an exclusive cash price.
The bottom line
Nicotrol NS (nicotine nasal spray) is a prescription-only nicotine replacement treatment. It replaces cigarettes with a safer form of nicotine. This reduces craving and withdrawal symptoms to help you quit smoking. Nicotrol NS tends to work better if you combine it with a smoking-cessation program. Using it with a nicotine patch can also help if your prescriber OKs it.
You’ll spray Nicotrol NS once in each nostril to administer 1 dose. Don’t sniff or inhale the dose when you administer it. Keep in mind that you may experience a burning sensation for the first week or so until your body adjusts to the medication.
You’ll typically start with 1 to 2 doses of Nicotrol NS every hour, then increase or decrease based on your symptoms. Don’t use more than 5 doses per hour or 40 doses per day. After 8 weeks, you can stop using Nicotrol NS or slowly lower your dose over the next few weeks.
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References
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). How to use the nicotine nasal spray.
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MedlinePlus. (2016). Nicotine nasal spray.
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Office on Smoking and Health. (2014). The health consequences of smoking—50 years of progress: A report of the surgeon general. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Onwuzo, C. N., et al. (2024). A review of smoking cessation interventions: Efficacy, strategies for implementation, and future directions. Cureus.
Pharmacia & Upjohn Company. (2025). Nicotrol- nicotine spray, metered.
Sandhu, A., et al. (2023). Nicotine replacement therapy. StatPearls.
Stapleton, J. A., et al. (2010). Treating heavy smokers in primary care with the nicotine nasal spray: Randomized placebo-controlled trial. Addiction.
Tobacco Use and Dependence Guideline Panel. (2008). Treating tobacco use and dependence: 2008 update. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
