combination nicotine replacement therapy (Iowa City VA Health Care System)

Combination nicotine replacement therapy (combination NRT) is a pharmacological strategy for tobacco cessation that involves the simultaneous use of two or more nicotine replacement products. This approach typically pairs a long-acting delivery method, such as a transdermal nicotine patch, with a short-acting form, such as nicotine gum, lozenges, or nasal spray. The transdermal patch provides a steady, baseline level of nicotine to mitigate background withdrawal symptoms, while the short-acting products are used as needed to manage acute cravings or high-risk situations. By addressing both tonic and episodic cravings, combination NRT has been shown to be more effective than single-product NRT monotherapy. The active ingredient is medicinal nicotine, which acts as an agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain, mimicking the effects of nicotine from tobacco to reduce withdrawal distress.

Brand names

Nicoderm CQNicoretteHabitrolNicotrol

Other names

combination NRTdual NRTpatch plus gumpatch plus lozenge