Nicotine Lozenges
Nicotine lozenges are a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication to help you quit. Learn more and find out if they're right for you.
What nicotine lozenges are
The nicotine lozenge is a kind of nicotine replacement medication. Nicotine lozenges look like small candies or mints. You can get them at the pharmacy and don’t need a prescription.
How nicotine lozenges work
- They work like nicotine gum, but you do not have to chew them. You put one in your mouth between your cheek and gum, and the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth. Do not chew or swallow the lozenge. You may feel a warm or tingling sensation as it slowly dissolves.
- Use nicotine lozenges to control withdrawal symptoms or when you feel a craving coming on.
Where to get nicotine lozenges
If you are 18 years or older, nicotine lozenges are available over the counter. If you are under 18, talk to your healthcare provider about medication to help you quit.
- Many states make quitting medications available through a state quitline. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to find out what is available in your state.
- Nicotine lozenges are available for sale without a prescription at any pharmacy, as well as many other stores.
- If you have insurance, most health plans offer quitting medication with no or very low cost to members. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to check on your benefits. Some insurance plans require a prescription from your health care provider to cover the cost of the medication.
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How to use nicotine lozenges
Follow the instructions that come in the box. Nicotine lozenges are a medicine and must be used as directed to get the best results. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using nicotine lozenges if you have any questions.
- Place the lozenge in your mouth and let it dissolve slowly, within about 20-30 minutes. Move it from side to side in your mouth.
- Do not chew or swallow the lozenge.
- Works best if you don't eat or drink 15 minutes before chewing and while you are using the lozenge. Especially avoid acidic liquids like soda and coffee because they can block the nicotine from being absorbed.
Follow the instructions in the box to taper off nicotine lozenges over time
- Weeks 1-6: Use one lozenge every 1-2 hours and use at least 9 lozenges a day for the first 6 weeks.
- Weeks 7-9: Use one lozenge every 2-4 hours.
- Weeks 10-12: Use one lozenge every 4-8 hours.
- Do not use more than 5 lozenges in 6 hours, or more than 20 lozenges a day.
- If you still feel like you need to use nicotine lozenges after 12 weeks, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosing guide for nicotine lozenges
The following are standard dosing guidelines for nicotine lozenges. If you still feel like you need to use nicotine lozenges after the package instructions tell you to stop using them, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
For cigarette smokers
- If you smoke within 30 minutes of waking up, use the 4mg lozenge or mini lozenge.
- If your first cigarette of the day is more than 30 minutes after you wake up, use the 2 mg lozenge or mini lozenge.
For e-cigarette/vape users
- If you vape within 30 minutes of waking up, use the 4 mg lozenge or mini lozenge.
- If you first vape more than 30 minutes after you wake up, use the 2 mg lozenge or mini lozenge.
For smokeless tobacco users
- If you use more than 3 tins per week, use the 4 mg lozenge or mini lozenge.
- If you use 3 tins per week or less, use the 2 mg lozenge or mini lozenge.
Pros and cons of nicotine lozenges
Pros
- No prescription needed, available over the counter
- Easy to use
- Comes in two sizes: regular and “mini” (the mini lozenge dissolves more rapidly that the standard size)
- Comes in two strengths (4mg and 2mg)
- Flexible and convenient - you are in control of how often you use it
- Can be used regularly and when you feel withdrawal symptoms or cravings coming on
- Faster delivery of nicotine than patches or quit-smoking pills
- Can be used with the patch for more support
- You put it in your mouth, which can help substitute for a cigarette or vape/e-cigarette
- Can help delay weight gain that sometimes goes along with quitting
Cons
- Must use often during the day to keep nicotine levels high enough
- Should not be chewed or swallowed
- Can cause nausea
Potential side effects of nicotine lozenges and what to do about them
Hiccups
Do not chew or swallow the lozenge; try a lower dose or wait longer between doses.
Heartburn
Do not chew or swallow the lozenge; try a lower dose or wait longer between doses.
Nausea
Do not chew or swallow the lozenge; try a lower dose or wait longer between doses.
Trouble sleeping
Don’t use for several hours before bedtime.
Headache or cough
Try a lower dose or wait longer between doses.
Precautions
If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider before starting to use nicotine lozenges:
- A heart attack in the last two weeks
- A serious heart rhythm problem
- Pain in your heart (angina) that is serious or getting worse
- Could be pregnant or are breastfeeding
- Under 18 years of age
Reviewed by Amanda Graham, PhD
Chief Health Officer, Truth Initiative
Updated February 19, 2026