Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum is a chewing gum that contains nicotine and is used to help people quit smoking. The effects of nicotine gum are similar to using other products that contain nicotine. When using nicotine gum the nicotine in it will send your body signals to produce different neurotransmitters. The most notable of those are serotonin and dopamine- the feel-good hormones responsible for the feeling “high” when consuming nicotine products. Nicotine gum is recommended by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) as an approved method for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy). Nicotine gum side effects are: allergic reactions, heart palpitations, increase in blood pressure, dizziness, headache, heartburn, hiccups, irritation inside the mouth or throat, & trouble sleeping.

What is Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum is a chewing gum containing nicotine used as a substitute for the active ingredient in tobacco according to the National Cancer Institute. Nicotine chewing gum helps to reduce the withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. It is most effective when used in combination with a stop-smoking program or other NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) method. Nicotine gum is used by chewing it in your mouth, but must not be swallowed. There are instructions of how to use the product in the package, follow them carefully. Nicotine gums should be stored between 59- and 86-degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Do not use the product after the expiration date. This product should be kept away from pets and children. When you are finished with using nicotine gum throw it in a designated trash bin. 

What is the origin of Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum was developed in Sweden in the 1970s (Nicorette nicotine gum) and became the world’s first widely available nicotine replacement therapy.  It was created by Dr. Ove Fernö, head researcher at the Leo AB, Swedish pharmaceutical company. Dr. Fernö had noticed how submariners and aviation crews switched to chewing tobacco when they were unable to smoke. The innovation behind the Nicorette Gum was adding nicotine and a chemistry innovation that allowed for the steady, controlled release of nicotine as the gum was chewed.  This provided relief from nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

In 1992 nicotine gum entered the American market. Since 1996 it has been available for purchasing without the need of a prescription. 

Why Use Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum is used because it works by helping people quit smoking. It is FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved as a suitable method for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy). Nicotine gum works by providing nicotine to your body to decrease the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped and also as a substitute for oral activity to reduce the urge to smoke.

How does Nicotine Gum deliver Nicotine to the body?

The nicotine gum delivers nicotine to the body by releasing it into your system through your mouth.  The nicotine gum contains nicotine. The nicotine begins to slowly release into your mouth when you chew the gum. Then you hold the gum in your mouth between your cheek and gums. The nicotine from the gum gets into your system through the blood vessels that line your mouth. That is the short summary of how Nicorette gum works.

Read more about What is Nicotine.

What Type of Drug is Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum is in a class of drugs (medications) called smoking cessation aids according to American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. It means nicotine gum is a drug that helps you quit smoking.

What is the Physical Structure of Nicotine Gum Molecules?

The physical structure of nicotine gum molecule (nicotine) is: 

DefinitonDescription
2D molecule
3D molecule
IUPAC(The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) Name3-[(2S)-1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]pyridine
Molecular FormulaC10H14N2
SynonymsNicotineNicotine BitartrateNicotine Tartrate
Molecular Weight162.23 g/mol
Exact Mass162.115698455 g/mol
Formal Charge0
Compound Is Canonicalizedyes
Physical DescriptionNicotine appears as a colorless to light yellow or brown liquid. Combustible. Toxic by inhalation and by skin absorption. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion.
OdorFish-like odor when warm
Burning point476.1 °F, 247°C

What are the Chemical Features of Nicotine Gum?

Chemical features of nicotine gum (nicotine):

Definition:Description:
2D molecule
3D molecule
Chemical Safety
ClassificationNicotine is a highly toxic alkaloid. It is the prototypical agonist at nicotinic cholinergic receptors where it dramatically stimulates neurons and ultimately blocks synaptic transmission. Nicotine is also important medically because of its presence in tobacco smoke.
Molecular Weight162.23 g/mol
Molecular FormulaC10H14N2

Which Receptors are Affected by Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum affects nicotinic cholinergic receptors, facilitating neurotransmitter release and thereby mediating the complex actions of nicotine in tobacco users according to a research paper written by Benowitz published in 2010.

How much Dry Weight does Nicotine Gum have?

Nicotine Gum’s dry weight is between 10 to 25 grams depending on the product brand and type.

What Chemicals Does Nicotine Gum Release in the Brain?

Nicotine gum releases a variety of neurotransmitters in the brain. The most important of those chemicals are dopamine and serotonin. Those two are so called feel-good hormones that are responsible for the feeling of “high” you get when using nicotine products.

What are the Harmful Effects of Nicotine Gum?

The harmful nicotine gum side effects are:

• Allergic reactions – skin rash, itching, hives, swelling.

• Heart palpitations – rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.

• Increase in blood pressure.

• Dizziness – lightheadedness.

• Headache – pain in the head area.

• Heartburn – digestion pains.

• Hiccups.

• Irritation inside the mouth or throat – sore spots.

• Trouble sleeping – not falling asleep, waking up, sleeplessness.

Read more about Harmful Effects of Nicotine Gum.

What are the Nicotine Gum Complications?

Nicotine gum complications are:

  • Some medications do not interact well with nicotine gum: certain medications for lung or breathing disease, like asthma; medications for blood pressure & medications for depression.
  • Smoking, drinking or using illegal drugs causes complications while using nicotine gum.
  • Swallowing the gum accidentally- it will come out through your digestive system, try not to do it again because too much nicotine can cause nicotine poisoning.
  • Forgetting to take a dose – skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. 

What is the Usage of Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum is used as a method of NRT (nicotine replacement therapy), it is approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). It is used to overcome the addiction to smoking. The usage of nicotine gum is much healthier than smoking because it does not contain tobacco or smoke inhalation in its usage. 

How is Nicotine Gum used Medically?

Nicotine gum is used medically as a smoking cessation aid. The benefits of nicotine gum are that they help you overcome the nicotine withdrawal effects that come when you quit smoking. It is FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved as a method for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy). It is medically used as a healthier substitute to smoking.

Does Nicotine Gum get used in Pesticides?

No, nicotine gum does not get used in pesticides. But nicotine is used as a pesticide- as an insecticide because it is lethal to a lot of insects and fungal species. In example, it is widely used as a pesticide for Colorado potato beetles. 

What Regulations Apply to Nicotine Gum Consumption?

Nicotine gum consumption regulations fall under the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) jurisdiction. Nicotine gum is approved as a method for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) by the FDA. Because of that it can be purchased by everyone who is at least 18 years old. If a person is younger than 18, then they need to contact their healthcare professional to obtain a prescription (NYC).

What are the Statistics on Nicotine Gum Use?

These are the statistics of nicotine gum use:

  • The nicotine gum market was valued at USD 1,410.91 million and is projected to register a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 4.11% over the next five years as published in a research report carried out by Mordor Intelligence in 2022
  • Close to 2 million new users try nicotine gums for the first time in the United States as reported by the WebMD in 2002.
  • Nicotine gum market leaders are: British American Tobacco, Haleon Group of Companies, Johnson & Johnson, Perrigo Company plc & Philip Morris International Inc. (in no particular order).
  • The percentage of people who were using the nicotine gum for longer than 6 months (recommended and maximum length is 3 months) was 6.7 % as published in 2003, a clinical trial carried out by Shiffman, Hughes, Pillitteri & Burton in the United States.
  • Among the most highly nicotine dependent smokers (those craving a cigarette straight after waking) the 4 mg gum is the most effective form of replacement therapy- it could enable one third to stop, according to clinical trial published by Tang, Law & Wald in 1994

How to choose the right dosage of Nicotine Gum?

For choosing the right dosage of nicotine gum follow these nicotine gum instructions: 

  • Firstly, think of your previous nicotine consumption habits.
  • Secondly, if you used your first nicotine product before half an hour from waking up then choose the 2 mg nicotine gum.
  • Thirdly, if you used your first nicotine product after half an hour had passed from waking up then choose the 4 mg nicotine gum.
  • Fourthly, nicotine gum may be used regularly by chewing one piece of gum every 1 to 2 hours for the first 6 weeks.
  • Fifthly, in the following three weeks one piece should be used every 2 to 4 hours.
  • Sixthly, for the last three weeks one piece should be used in every 4 to 8 hours 
  • Seventhly, if you have strong or frequent cravings- use a second nicotine gum within one hour.
  • Lastly when 12 weeks have passed you should quit using nicotine gums and when you are unable to quit contact your healthcare professional for advice.

What precautions should people take before using Nicotine Gum?

Before you start using nicotine gum you should take the following precautions: talk to a healthcare professional and do not use more than one nicotine containing product at once. You need to talk to your healthcare professional before taking it because nicotine gum may not be suitable for you because of your medical history and problems. You should also discuss if you plan to use some medicine, vitamins, or other substances simultaneously with the usage of nicotine gum because some substances cannot be used at the same time – will cause health problems. You should not use more than one nicotine product because it can cause nicotine poisoning if you consume too much nicotine. 

How to use Nicotine Gum?

For using nicotine gum follow these nicotine gum instructions:

  • Take one nicotine gum out of the packaging.
  • Put the nicotine gum in your mouth.
  • Start chewing the nicotine gum until you start to feel tingling.
  • Stop chewing and place (park) the nicotine gum between your gum and cheek.
  • Let the gum stay parked there for 60 seconds or until the tingling stops.
  • Repeat the chewing and parking process for 30 minutes or until the tingling stops.
  • Remove the nicotine gum from your mouth and put it in a designated trash bin.

Read more about How to use Nicotine Gum.

What are the Best Nicotine Gums?

The best nicotine gums are (based on more than 11 000 reviews from buyers on msn):

  • Equate Nicotine Coated Gum 2 mg, Stop Smoking Aid, Cinnamon Flavor, (100 gums): cheap, long-lasting taste.
  • Nicorette Nicotine Gum to Stop Smoking, 2mg, White Ice Mint Flavor, (160 gums): amazing taste and helps with cravings.
  • Equate Coated Nicotine Polacrilex Gum 2 mg, Mint Flavor, Stop Smoking Aid, (100 gums): cheap, effective and softer than some other brands.
  • Equate Nicotine Uncoated Gum 4 mg, Original Flavor, (220 gums): cheap, mild taste and taste lasts long.
  • Equate Coated Nicotine Gum 2 mg, Fruit Flavor, Stop Smoking Aid, (160 gums): cheap and has great taste, 

Read more about Best Nicotine Gum.

Can You Be Addicted to Nicotine Gum?

Yes, you can be addicted to nicotine gum. Nicotine gum contains nicotine and nicotine is a highly addictive chemical. You may ask yourself what are the symptoms of nicotine gum addiction. The symptoms of nicotine gum addiction are the same as the symptoms of nicotine addiction:  being unable to successfully quit using nicotine gum on your own, limiting your social activities so you would not have to stop using nicotine gum, using nicotine gum is the first activity in the morning. 

What Causes Nicotine Gum Addiction?

Nicotine gum addiction is cause by:

  • Nicotine gum addiction means that physical and psychological factors make it difficult to stop using nicotine gums, even if you want to quit. 
  • Nicotine that is in the nicotine gum is a highly addictive substance- its usage causes feelings of pleasure and alertness.
  • When you are addicted to nicotine, that nicotine gum usage delivers, you become tolerant to the desired effects so you need to use nicotine gums that are stronger and use them more often to get the same effect as before. 
  • You no longer experience the pleasure from using nicotine, but continue to use it because you have cravings and want to avoid nicotine withdrawal.

It takes a different time period to develop a nicotine gum addiction- after one usage to after using it for 12 weeks.

When should you Seek Nicotine Gum Addiction Treatment?

You should seek nicotine gum addiction treatment when you have been using it for more than 12 weeks (maximum recommended time for usage) and are not able to quit using it on your own. You can contact your healthcare professional to find out what are the treatments available for nicotine gum addiction. They are familiar with your medical history and can give you advice which treatments for nicotine gum addiction would be best suited for you. All nicotine addiction treatments can be also used for nicotine gum addiction.  

Is it hard to quit Nicotine Gum?

Yes, it is hard to quit nicotine gum. Nicotine gum has nicotine in it and nicotine is an addictive substance. Due to that you may experience withdrawal symptoms after you quit nicotine gum. 

Read more about How to Quit Nicotine Gum.

Is Nicotine Gum healthier than smoking?

Yes, nicotine gum is healthier than smoking. Nicotine gum is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved method for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy). While you smoke you inhale burnt tobacco and other toxic chemicals with the smoke. When you are using nicotine gum there is no smoke or harmful toxins involved.

Is Nicotine Gum as bad as vaping?

No, nicotine gum is not as bad as vaping. Nicotine gum is healthier because when you vape you inhale thousands (2000) of harmful chemicals.

Read more about What is Vape.

  • Sold out
    Zyn Cool Mint Mini nicotine pouches

    Zyn Cool Mint Extra Strong

    $3.90
    Range Price
    10 - 19 $3.80
    20 - 29 $3.70
    30 + $3.50
  • Sold out

    Velo Freeze Max

    $5.50
    Range Price
    10 - 19 $5.40
    20 - 29 $5.30
    30 + $5.10
  • Sold out
    Velo Max Arctic Frost nicotine pouches

    Velo Arctic Frost Max

    $5.50
    Range Price
    10 - 19 $5.40
    20 - 29 $5.30
    30 + $5.10
  • Sold out
    Velo Ice Cool nicotine pouches

    Velo Ice Cool Strong

    $5.50
    Range Price
    10 - 19 $5.40
    20 - 29 $5.30
    30 + $5.10