NICOTINE TRANSDERMAL SYSTEMS

OBJECTIVE: To review the role of transdermal nicotine as an aid to smoking cessation. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search was performed that included clinical studies published in English involving transdermal nicotine; references used in those articles were screened for additional published information. STUDY SELECTION: Published clinical trials were reviewed with particular emphasis on controlled trials that evaluated safety and efficacy. DATA SYNTHESIS: Transdermal nicotine therapy has been shown to be a safe and effective pharmacologic aid in a smoking cessation program when used in conjunction with a psychologic or behavior support system. Habitrol, Nicoderm, Nicotrol, and PROSTEP differ in some characteristics (i.e., delivery systems, total nicotine content and amount absorbed, rate of delivery, recommended duration of application); however, the clinical implication of these differences has not been determined. CONCLUSIONS: Transdermal nicotine is effective for patients who are motivated to quit smoking and receive concomitant behavior support.