Pharmacological management of smoking cessation.

There is evidence that pharmacological management of smoking cessation, together with advice and support, is very cost-effective and increases success rates of quit attempts. Community nurses are in a good position to intervene with smokers. All nicotine replacement therapy products are now on the Nurse Prescribers' Formulary. This article covers the scientific evidence, the guidelines on smoking cessation and the role of the health professional. Treatment options are described and useful contacts for further information are provided.