Whether nicotine patches actually help to facilitate nicotine withdrawal or whether they rather make it more difficult is controversial. In many studies, nicotine replacement therapy via the nicotine patch is advocated. In other studies, however, it is denied any effect. Although it is much easier to quit smoking because the nicotine patch provides the addictive substance, it is also true that nicotine patches keep an ex-smoker addicted. Therefore, the relapse rate is high among people who have withdrawn with nicotine patches.
What is a nicotine patch?
A nicotine patch is an easy-to-use replacement therapy option that uses a patch to deliver a specific amount of nicotine through the skin. A nicotine patch is an easy-to-use replacement therapy option that uses a patch to deliver a specific amount of nicotine through the skin. The nicotine patch is also referred to as a “transdermal” or therapeutic patch. The nicotine patch is simply the means of transport through which a substance – similar to hormones in the hormone patch – can be administered easily and in controllable doses. Nicotine patches should only be used on uninjured areas of skin, as the active ingredient nicotine is a potent poison. Placed in open wounds, nicotine patch may cause unintended side effects. Care should always be taken to use a nicotine patch correctly so that it can work properly.
Forms, types and kinds
Nicotine patches have been known for about 20 years. The idea is based on a controlled administration of pure and toxic nicotine, which is guaranteed without problems even in everyday life. Nicotine patches are distinguished by different forms, types and styles. Moreover, the delivery amount of nicotine can be given in different strengths. Chain smokers need a different nicotine patch than people who inhale cigarette smoke only occasionally. For example, the maximum dosage in the membrane patch is suitable only for people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day. Thanks to the nicotine patch, an even administration of the active substance is guaranteed. This makes it unnecessary to reach for a cigarette. Modern nicotine patches are often matrix patches, where the adhesive layer is applied to the skin without any intervening medium. Other nicotine patch models have a membrane in between. Some nicotine patches are changed daily, while others can remain on the skin for several days. There are also so-called depot patches, which contain larger reserves of active ingredient. Some nicotine patches contain absorption accelerators to facilitate the absorption of nicotine through the skin. Nowadays, research is already underway into other ways of making nicotine patches more effective. The passive diffusion of the active ingredient through the opened pores is to be countered by active delivery of nicotine through the nicotine patch as a medium. Nicotine patches are experimentally equipped with electromagnetic fields, dosing pumps or needles to achieve better absorption of the active ingredients. Such nicotine patches would be individually dosable.
Structure, function and mode of action
A classic nicotine patch of conventional design always consists of a cover sheet, a peel-off sheet, and a sticky patch surface, sometimes with a non-sticky pad inside. Most nicotine patches need to be changed after three days. In the case of depot patches, mechanical or other effects can occasionally cause abrupt depletion of the active ingredients, which is why the nicotine patches with matrix are considered safer. With nicotine patches, dose measurement is always problematic. The skin absorbs substances from a nicotine patch at different rates and individually well. Therefore, the design of new nicotine patches is likely to change somewhat.
Medical and health benefits
Even though some studies cast doubt on the medical and health benefits of nicotine patches, nicotine patches are considered useful as part of a self-directed substitution therapy. It is much easier to give up smoking. Since inhalation is far more harmful than the application of pure nicotine via a nicotine patch, the health benefits are considerable. However, the lasting dependence on the addictive substance is criticized. The nicotine patch is therefore also held responsible for high relapse rates.A study reported in the magazine “Der Spiegel” concluded that nicotine patches are absolutely useless in the long run. A nicotine patch alone is out of the question as effective long-term relapse protection. It would have to be combined with other measures to combat addiction. However, a nicotine patch is ideally suited as an introduction to quitting.
