The safety, tolerability and efficacy of transdermal nicotine (Nicotinell TTS) in initially hospitalised patients.
OBJECTIVE
We studied a transdermal nicotine system with minimal behavioural intervention in hospitalised patients to assess patient acceptability, safety and efficacy.


METHODS
In an open noncomparative study, 80 smoking patients (42 men and 38 women) were enrolled. They received 24-hour nicotine patches and simple support for 12 weeks and were followed for up to 26 weeks. Smoking was assessed by interview, expired air carbon monoxide and blood cotinine.


RESULTS
Side effects included itch and local erythema (4), insomnia (7), abnormal taste (3). Two subjects withdrew from the study because of side effects. At 12 weeks 17 were nonsmokers. At 26 weeks 19 of 80 were nonsmokers and a further 14 had reduced their intake significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
The nicotine skin patch proved to be safe and well tolerated. Efficacy was comparable to controlled trials of transdermal nicotine patches.
Martin
P D
PD
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wellington Hospital.
Robinson
G M
GM
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010349:Patient Compliance; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*
D009538:Nicotine