Nicotine is available in various forms as an aid to quitting smoking. Nicotine skin patches
are available in nonprescription and prescription strengths. Nicotine gum is available without
prescription. Nicotine nasal spray and oral inhaler are available by prescription.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
Avoid:Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity
of the medication in the body.
Acidic foods and beverages
Check:Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.
Lobelia
Depletion or interference
None known
Side effect reduction/prevention
None known
Supportive interaction
None known
Adverse interaction
None known
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Herbs
Lobelia
(Lobelia inflata)
Lobelia is the plant from which the drug lobeline was isolated. Lobeline produces effects
similar to nicotine.1 Combined use of nicotine and lobeline may increase the risk
of nicotine side effects. No interactions have been reported with nicotine and lobelia, and in
fact research has suggested lobeline may be useful as an aid to stopping
smoking.2
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Absorption of nicotine from nicotine gum requires mildly alkaline saliva.3 Acidic
foods and beverages (coffee, colas,
fruit, fruit juices, and others) may
reduce nicotine absorption. This potential interaction may be avoided by chewing nicotine gum
one hour before or after consuming acidic food and beverages.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Miscellaneous Products, Smoking Deterrents,
Lobeline. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar
1993, 736i.
2. Davison GC, Rosen RC. Lobeline and reduction of cigarette smoking.
Psychol Rep 1972;31:443–56.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Miscellaneous Products, Smoking Deterrents,
Nicotine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and
Comparisons, Aug 1993, 736a–6h.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2009.
