nicotine gum
Meaning of nicotine gum: Nicotine gum is an over the counter chewing gum that delivers a measured dose of nicotine to ease cravings during smoking cessation.
Definition of nicotine gum
Nicotine gum is a chewing gum formulated to release a measured amount of nicotine, which is absorbed through the lining of the mouth as the gum is chewed. It is one of several forms of nicotine replacement therapy, a category that also includes patches, lozenges, and nasal sprays.
The gum is intended to ease the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can occur when a person stops using cigarettes or other tobacco products, by providing nicotine through a source separate from tobacco smoke, which also carries many other harmful chemicals.
Nicotine gum is available without a prescription and is typically used according to a schedule that gradually reduces the amount of nicotine over time as part of an overall plan to stop tobacco use. Chewing technique affects how much nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth versus swallowed.
Used in a sentence
The patient was using nicotine gum as part of an effort to stop smoking.
Good to know
The amount of nicotine absorbed from nicotine gum depends partly on chewing technique, since nicotine swallowed with saliva is absorbed less effectively than nicotine released slowly and absorbed through the lining of the mouth.