Nicotine transdermal systems.

OBJECTIVE

To review the role of transdermal nicotine as an aid to smoking cessation.

DATA SOURCES

A MEDLINE search was performed that included clinical studies published in English involving transdermal nicotine; references used in those articles were screened for additional published information.

STUDY SELECTION

Published clinical trials were reviewed with particular emphasis on controlled trials that evaluated safety and efficacy.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Transdermal nicotine therapy has been shown to be a safe and effective pharmacologic aid in a smoking cessation program when used in conjunction with a psychologic or behavior support system. Habitrol, Nicoderm, Nicotrol, and PROSTEP differ in some characteristics (i.e., delivery systems, total nicotine content and amount absorbed, rate of delivery, recommended duration of application); however, the clinical implication of these differences has not been determined.

CONCLUSIONS

Transdermal nicotine is effective for patients who are motivated to quit smoking and receive concomitant behavior support.