Effectiveness of the nicotine inhaler for smoking cessation in an OTC setting.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of the Nicotrol nicotine inhaler as an aid to smoking cessation in over-the-counter (OTC) versus health-care-provider (HCP) conditions.


METHODS
Five hundred twenty healthy smokers were randomized to the treatment conditions and followed for a year.


RESULTS
At most follow-up visits, abstinence rates for the HCP group were 2 to 3 times those observed in the OTC group. Abstinence at 1 year was.77% in the OTC condition versus 3.08% in the HCP condition [P<.01]. Inhaler use was low.


CONCLUSIONS
OTC nicotine inhaler appears to be ineffective, though quit rates are improved with HCP assistance.
Leischow
Scott J
SJ
Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-7337, USA. scott.leischow@nih.gov
Ranger-Moore
James
J
Muramoto
Myra L
ML
Matthews
Eva
E
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D009538:Nicotine