How to Use the Nicotrol (Nicotine) Inhaler: A Complete Guide

If you’re on a mission to quit smoking, you may be wondering about medications that can help you quit. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products are common options that work by replacing some of the nicotine you were previously getting from cigarettes. But this “clean nicotine” doesn’t have any of the harmful chemicals that are in cigarettes.

Studies show that people who use NRT are more likely to successfully quit smoking than those who try to quit “cold turkey.” There are many types of NRT, including over-the-counter (OTC) products like the nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ), gum (Nicorette), and lozenges (Nicorette). But there’s also a nasal spray and inhaler that are prescription-only. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the nicotine inhaler (Nicotrol) in depth. We’ll learn what it is, how to use it, and more.

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.

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Do I need a prescription for the Nicotrol Inhaler?

Yes. The Nicotrol Inhaler and Nicotrol nasal spray are only available in the U.S. with a prescription. Other forms of NRT — like the patch, gum, and lozenges — are available without a prescription.

Nicotrol Inhaler dosing

Each Nicotrol Inhaler comes with multiple cartridges. Each cartridge contains 10 mg of nicotine. But only 2 mg of nicotine in each cartridge is actually absorbed into your body. 

You should avoid eating or drinking anything for 15 minutes before using the inhaler, or while you’re actively using it.

Initial dose

When you first start using the Nicotrol Inhaler, it’s best to use it frequently. It’s recommended to use 6 to 16 cartridges per day for at least 3 to 6 weeks, and up to 12 weeks. This is because the Nicotrol Inhaler doesn’t last long in the body. So to feel consistent effects, you need to use it frequently.

The product information also recommends using the Nicotrol Inhaler for 20 minutes continuously with frequent puffing. This is about how long it takes to use one full cartridge, and it should give you about 80 puffs per cartridge. But some people find that doing frequent 5-minute sessions throughout the day works best for them.

Keep in mind: It’s best to stop smoking before you start using the Nicotrol Inhaler. If you relapse while using the inhaler, you don’t have to stop using it. But let your healthcare provider know. You may need additional support to help you successfully quit smoking.

Maintenance dose

Once you start the Nicotrol Inhaler, your dose may be increased if you feel nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety, and irritability. But if you’re experiencing symptoms of too much nicotine, you can reduce the number of cartridges you use. Too much nicotine may cause nausea, increased sweating, or a feeling like your heart is pounding in your chest.

Stopping the Nicotrol Inhaler

If you haven’t quit smoking after using the Nicotrol Inhaler for several weeks, your provider may recommend other medications to help you quit. If you’ve successfully quit smoking for 12 weeks using the Nicotrol Inhaler, your provider may suggest slowly lowering the number of cartridges you use each day over the course of 6 to 12 weeks. 

It’s also possible to stop using the Nicotrol inhaler without lowering the dose. But talk to your provider about what they think is best.

Regardless of whether you lower your Nicotrol dose slowly, it’s important to eventually stop using the inhaler. Even though the inhaler is safer than cigarettes, it contains nicotine, which is an addictive substance that can have harmful effects on the body. 

How to use the Nicotrol Inhaler

The Nicotrol Inhaler comes with a plastic case that has two items inside: a mouthpiece and a blister pack filled with nicotine cartridges.

Assembling the Nicotrol Inhaler

Here are step-by-step instructions for how to put the Nicotrol Inhaler together:

1. Take the mouthpiece and blister pack of nicotine cartridges out of the plastic case. You may need to remove the mouthpiece from a plastic package.

2. The mouthpiece has a top and bottom piece. Push the two pieces together and line up the markings on each piece. Then, pull the top and bottom piece apart.

3. Remove one nicotine cartridge from the blister pack. Insert the cartridge into the bottom piece of the mouthpiece. Push down on the cartridge until it pops into place.

4. Attach the top and bottom pieces of the mouthpiece by lining up the markings on each piece. Then turn the top and bottom pieces so the markings are no longer aligned. This locks the mouthpiece in place.

5. Store the rest of the cartridges in the plastic case.

Using the Nicotrol Inhaler

Once the Nicotrol Inhaler is assembled, you’ll follow the few simple steps below:

1. Take short and shallow puffs from the inhaler as if you were sipping through a straw. The Nicotrol Inhaler is only meant to be inhaled into the back of the throat, not the lungs.

2. One nicotine cartridge lasts for about 20 minutes. Depending on your dosage instructions, you may or may not use a full cartridge in one sitting.

3. When the cartridge is empty, take it out of the mouthpiece and throw the used cartridge away. Make sure any pets or children won’t have access to where you threw the cartridge away.

4. When you're not using your Nicotrol Inhaler, store it in the locked position (the markings on the mouthpiece shouldn’t line up). Place the inhaler inside the plastic case along with the blister pack of unused cartridges.

How effective is the Nicotrol Inhaler?

Research has shown that nicotine inhalers increase the likelihood of reducing smoking compared to placebo (an inhaler with nothing in it). Studies found that people who used Nicotrol were more likely to have quit smoking after 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of treatment.

Another study of over 400 people found that people using a nicotine inhaler for 4 months were more likely to reduce the amount they smoked compared to people who used a placebo inhaler. And another study found similar results.

But medications alone aren’t a surefire way to quit smoking. It can take many tries to successfully quit smoking, so having solid support in place is critical. A smoking cessation program can offer counseling, resources, and medication to help you quit. And people who use them have a better chance of quitting or reducing smoking than those who don’t. There are in-person, virtual, and text-based options. 

Can I combine the Nicotrol Inhaler with other NRT products?

Yes. Studies have shown that combining the Nicotrol Inhaler with nicotine patches makes it more likely that you’ll successfully quit smoking. This is because the Nicotrol Inhaler works quickly and can help address cravings and withdrawal symptoms. But the patch helps your body maintain a baseline level of nicotine throughout the day.

Side effects of the Nicotrol Inhaler

Nicotrol Inhaler side effects are usually mild. But it’s still important to be aware of them. The most common side effect is irritation in the mouth or throat. Other common side effects include:

• Cough

• Headache

• Runny nose

• Indigestion

Even though the nicotine inhaler replaces some of the nicotine you previously received from cigarettes, it doesn’t reach the brain as quickly. So you may still experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms while using the inhaler. This may mean you need to use the inhaler more frequently, or combine the inhaler with another NRT product. But don’t make any changes before talking to your healthcare provider.

How much does a Nicotrol Inhaler cost?

There is currently no generic form of the Nicotrol Inhaler, which makes it an expensive medication. GoodRx may be able to save you over 40% off the average retail price of the Nicotrol Inhaler. 

If you’re uninsured, or have insurance but your copay for the Nicotrol Inhaler is still too expensive, let your healthcare provider know. They may be able to recommend a lower-cost NRT option like nicotine lozenges or gum.

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Written by:

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP, has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist, professor, and researcher. She was a full-time clinical professor in the pharmacy practice department at D’Youville School of Pharmacy before subsequently joining the faculty of the pharmacy practice department at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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