nicotine polacrilex /pōlak″rileks/ , a chewing gum (nicotine resin complex) source of nicotine as an adjunct for smoking cessation. ▪ INDICATIONS: It may be prescribed as an aid for patients who are trying to quit cigarette smoking. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Use by postmyocardial infarction patients or those with severe or worsening angina pectoris or life-threatening arrhythmias is prohibited. It should be used cautiously in patients with hyperthyroidism, hypertension, type 1 diabetes mellitus, or peptic ulcers. Drug dosages may have to be adjusted in patients taking other drugs with effects that may be increased or decreased when cigarette smoking ceases. Patients should be monitored to ensure that they do not become dependent on the nicotine in the gum. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: The most serious adverse effects include burning and soreness of the mouth, lightheadedness, headache, hiccups, nausea, vomiting, and excessive salivation.
