Other
Nicotine replacement
Smoking cessation aid
Other names: nicotine patch, Nicoderm, Nicoderm CQ, Habitrol, nicotine gum, Nicorette
Wait
48 hours
after the first dose of the nasal spray (both FAA documents)
Two FAA documents give different waits. Both are below.
Examiner
The examiner can issue when the document's criteria are met
FAA label
ACCEPTABLE
The FAA's two documents on nicotine replacement differ on the patch.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: Nicotine replacementWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
The FAA's documents differ. The FAA's smoking sheet gives nicotine gum, lozenges and patches no ground trial; the FAA's MedGuide's entry for nicotine (oral), whose brands are Nicoderm CQ Patch and Habitrol, gives 24 hours after the first dose. Both give the nasal spray 48 hours. Both are current FAA documents, so neither is set aside.
Wait
- 24 hours after the first dose under the FAA's MedGuide's row headed nicotine (oral), whose brands are Nicoderm CQ Patch and Habitrol
- no ground trial for gum, lozenge or patch (the FAA's smoking sheet)
The FAA's smoking sheet lists nicotine gum, lozenges, patches and nasal spray as acceptable smoking cessation medication, with a 48-hour ground trial for the nasal spray only and no post-dose observation time for any of them, and says usual treatment lasts 12 weeks, and extended maintenance therapy up to one year may have additional guidance.
The FAA's MedGuide names nicotine nasal spray (Nicotrol NS) as allowed with a wait of 48 hours after the first dose, and nicotine (oral), whose brands it gives as Nicoderm CQ Patch and Habitrol, with 24 hours after the first dose, each with none after later doses or after the final dose, used per label directions; its table has no row named gum or lozenge. The MedGuide defines allowed as acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.
- nicotine nasal spray: 48 hours after starting: ground observation
- the MedGuide's nicotine (oral) row (Nicoderm CQ Patch, Habitrol): 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: Nicotine replacementThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
Usual treatment duration is 12 weeks, however, extended maintenance therapy up to one year may have additional guidance.
ACCEPTABLE Smoking Cessation Medications (as a single agent or in any combination product)
Medication Initial observation (Ground Trial) Post-dose observation (no-fly time after each dose)
nicotine (gum, lozenge, patch) None None
nicotine (nasal spray) 48 hours None
Generic: nicotine (nasal)
Brand Name: Nicotrol NS
Drug Class: Nicotine
Underlying Condition: Smoking cessation
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 48 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: Per label directions
Generic: nicotine (oral)
Brand Name: Nicoderm CQ Patch; Habitrol [INTL]
Drug Class: Nicotine
Underlying Condition: Smoking cessation
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: Per label directions
ALLOWED: The medication is acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.