Nicotine Nasal Spray
Nicotine nasal spray is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication to help you quit. Learn more and find out if it's right for you.
What nicotine nasal spray is
Nicotine nasal spray is a nicotine replacement therapy. It comes in a hand-held sprayer bottle. Nicotine nasal spray is usually prescribed to people with severe nicotine addiction. It is available by prescription only.
How nicotine nasal spray works
- You use one spray in each nostril frequently throughout the day. The medicine is not inhaled. The nicotine is absorbed mostly in your nose.
Where to get nicotine nasal spray
- Nicotine nasal spray is available by prescription only.
- If you have insurance, most health plans offer quitting medication at no or very low cost to members. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to check on your benefits.
- If you don’t have insurance, or if your plan does not cover the nicotine nasal spray, it may cost you more to use the spray since there is no generic option available (as of 2026). Check with a pharmacist to see what your options are.
How to use nicotine nasal spray
The following are general guidelines for using nicotine nasal spray and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Use the spray as directed by your healthcare provider to control withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Your healthcare provider will help you set and adjust your dose. They will also help you taper down gradually. Nicotine nasal spray is a medicine and must be used as directed to get the best results.
- You are usually instructed to use a dose 1 to 2 times an hour, up to 5 times an hour. Don’t use more than 40 doses a day.
- First, blow your nose to make sure it’s clear. Tilt your head back slightly. While holding your breath, spray once into each nostril, directing the spray toward the outer side of your nostril. Don’t sniff, swallow, or inhale while spraying. Breathe out through your mouth. Wait two to three minutes before blowing your nose.
- The spray may irritate your nose or throat at first, especially in the first week, but this should improve over time. Contact your healthcare provider if the side effects bother you or don’t go away.
Pros and cons of nicotine nasal spray
Pros
- Easy to use
- Flexible dosing
- Can be used in response to stress or cravings, and can help with cravings more quickly than other types of nicotine medications
- Can be used with a nicotine patch for more support
- Fastest delivery of nicotine of all FDA-approved products
Cons
- Requires a prescription
- Nose and throat irritation is common, but usually goes away after one week.
- In order to get adequate levels of nicotine, you must remember to use the nicotine nasal spray frequently during the day (once or twice per hour, up to five times per hour).
- May cause nose bleeds
Potential side effects of nicotine nasal spray
Nose and throat irritation
You may notice it as as hot, peppery, or burning feeling. This is very common, but may lessen with continued use. Talk to your healthcare provider if it continues to bother you.
Tearing, runny nose, sneezing, or cough
Often people get used to these. Talk to your healthcare provider if they continue to bother you.
Headache
This is a common side effect. Talk with your healthcare provider if it continues to bother you.
Precautions
- Not recommended for people who use smokeless tobacco.
- If you have nasal or sinus problems, allergies or asthma, talk with your healthcare provider before using nicotine nasal spray.
- When using nicotine nasal spray, avoid contact of the spray with your skin, eyes and mouth. If contact happens, immediately rinse the area with water.
If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider before starting to use nicotine nasal spray:
- A heart attack in the last two weeks
- A serious heart rhythm problem
- Pain in your heart (angina) that is serious or getting worse
- Problems in your nose or sinuses
- Severe breathing problems like asthma
- Could be pregnant or are breastfeeding
- Less than 18 years old
Reviewed by Amanda Graham, PhD
Chief Health Officer, Truth Initiative
Updated February 19, 2026