Cotinine replacement levels for a 21 mg/day transdermal nicotine patch in an outpatient treatment setting

This study examined plasma cotinine replacement levels of 56 outpatient smokers administered a 21 mg/day transdermal nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ(R)). The percentage of cotinine replacement ranged from 35 to 232% (mean 107%; median 90.5%). Four subject variables were found to be significantly correlated with percentage of cotinine replacement-baseline cotinine level, prior quit attempts, gender, and the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire score. A two-variable model consisting of baseline cotinine level and gender provided the most powerful predictor combination. The percentage of cotinine replacement was not predictive of post-treatment smoking. The relatively high levels of cotinine replacement obtained using the Nicoderm CQ(R) 21 mg/day patch suggest cautious use of higher dose treatment with this particular patch. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.