For adults aged 18+. NRT products are licensed medicines.
Your NRT guide: choose the right strength and use it well
Age-restricted: 18+ only. Read the leaflet and speak to a pharmacist or GP before you start.
Which nicotine patch strength?
Patches release nicotine slowly through the skin, so they give a steady background level all day. 16-hour patches come off at bedtime. 24-hour patches stay on day and night.
| Cigarettes per day | Usual patch strength |
|---|---|
| 20 or more | 25mg (16-hour) or 21mg (24-hour) |
| 10 to 19 | 15mg (16-hour) or 14mg (24-hour) |
| Fewer than 10 | 10mg (16-hour) or 7mg (24-hour) |
Tip: most people start on a higher strength and step down over a 12-week quit plan.
Which nicotine gum strength?
Gum works fast, so it suits sudden cravings. The strength depends on how soon after waking you usually smoke.
| Your first cigarette | Usual gum strength |
|---|---|
| Within 30 minutes of waking | 4mg gum |
| More than 30 minutes after waking | 2mg gum |
Tip: use the “chew and park” method. Chew slowly until you notice a tingle or peppery taste, rest the gum between your cheek and gum, then repeat for about 30 minutes.
Lozenges, microtabs and inhalators
Lozenges
Available in 2mg and 4mg. Let them dissolve slowly in your mouth. Do not chew or swallow them.
Mini lozenges and microtabs
Small and discreet. They dissolve in the mouth or under the tongue, so they are easy to use anywhere.
Inhalators
An inhalator mimics the hand-to-mouth action of smoking. One cartridge lasts around 15 to 20 minutes of use.
Mouth and nasal sprays
Sprays give the fastest craving relief of any NRT format.
Mouth spray
1mg per spray. Use 1 to 2 sprays when you need them, up to a maximum of 64 sprays a day.
Nasal spray
0.5mg per spray and faster-acting, so it is often chosen by people who are highly dependent on nicotine. It can feel strong at first, which is normal.
Sugar-free options and diabetes
Sugar-free lozenges are worth discussing with your pharmacist. They include Nicotinell Mint Lozenges (1mg and 2mg), Nicorette Cools 2mg, Nicorette Fruit 2mg, NiQuitin Mint 2mg and NiQuitin Minis Mint 2mg.
If you have diabetes: check your blood glucose more often when you stop smoking or start NRT, as your levels and medicine needs may change. Speak to your pharmacist or diabetes care team before you start.
Our pharmacy team can help you choose a product and strength that fits your smoking habits and your health.
Using more than one product
Combination therapy, such as a patch for steady cover plus gum, a lozenge or a spray for sudden cravings, is often more effective than one product alone. If you get strong withdrawal symptoms or side effects, the strength or mix can be adjusted. Speak to a pharmacist before you change anything.
Your 12 weeks
The NHS recommends using NRT for at least 12 weeks, or longer if you still need support. It helps to check in on your progress at weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12.
For free local support you can also self-refer to the NHS Stop Smoking Service.
Questions and answers
Most people match the patch to how much they smoke: 25mg (16-hour) or 21mg (24-hour) for 20 or more cigarettes a day, 15mg or 14mg for 10 to 19 a day, and 10mg or 7mg for fewer than 10. A pharmacist can confirm the right starting point for you.
The NHS recommends using NRT for at least 12 weeks, or longer if you still need support. Most people step down to a lower strength over that time.
Yes. Combination therapy, such as a patch with gum, a lozenge or a spray, is often more effective than one product alone. If you get strong withdrawal symptoms or side effects, the strength or mix can be adjusted.
Chew the gum slowly until you notice a tingle or peppery taste, then rest it between your cheek and gum. Once the taste fades, chew again. Repeat for about 30 minutes.
Yes. Sugar-free lozenges include Nicotinell Mint 1mg and 2mg, Nicorette Cools 2mg, Nicorette Fruit 2mg, NiQuitin Mint 2mg and NiQuitin Minis Mint 2mg. Check your blood glucose more often when you stop smoking or start NRT, and speak to your pharmacist or diabetes care team first.
Speak to a pharmacist or your GP before you start. The right product and strength depend on your health and any other medicines you take.
Ready to choose your NRT?
Browse patches, gum, lozenges, sprays and inhalators from a GPhC-registered pharmacy, or compare NRT with vaping first.
For adults aged 18+ only. Read the patient information leaflet and speak to a pharmacist or your GP before starting, especially if you are pregnant, have a heart condition or take other medicines.