A nicotine inhaler looks like a cigarette, and is a fast-acting form of nicotine replacement therapy.
A nicotine inhaler looks like a cigarette, and is a fast-acting form of nicotine replacement therapy.

How does a nicotine inhaler differ from nicotine pouches? This article is about nicotine inhalers & nicotine pouches in Ireland. A nicotine inhaler, also called a nicotine inhalator, is a device that allows the user to inhale nicotine. It is a form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The nicotine inhaler is very fast-acting, since the nicotine is inhaled similar to cigarettes. The advantage of a nicotine inhaler is that it since it is handheld and absorbs nicotine quickly, it resembles a cigarette. Therefore, it could be useful in imitating how a cigarette works to satisfy the craving for a cigarette.

What are nicotine inhalers?

Nicotine inhalers can be bought at pharmacies across Ireland. They come in different strengths, such as 10mg and 15mg. Which one you should select depends on whether you are a light or heavy nicotine user. Despite this variation in strengths, the selection of tastes and brands of nicotine inhalers is rather limited.

The nicotine inhaler lasts quite long, and one cartridge could contain up to 400 puffs. That may be similar to how many puffs one can get out of a single-use vaping device. Of course, vaping devices are not forms of NRT nor medicinal products, while nicotine inhalers are.

Nicotine inhalers are bought with one device and a collection of cartridges. An inhaler package could contain for example 20 cartridges. One medical recommendation is that you shouldn’t use more than 6 cartridges of 15mg strength per day.

Nicotine inhalers can be used with another form of NRT, such as nicotine patches. According to the HSE, combination of different forms of nicotine replacement therapy is the most effective way to quit smoking. We refer people who want to quit smoking and nicotine use to HSE’s resources: https://www2.hse.ie/take-back-control/?s_kwcid=AL!12973!3!642052207567!e!!g!!hse%20quit%20smoking&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz6ShBhCMARIsAH9A0qWlz5yLlO5aZPXl10TSUgofvGu4fohGtLiC5gtf97Wwad2QI6UHP3UaAn-mEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

How do they compare to nicotine pouches?

When comparing nicotine inhalers and nicotine pouches in Ireland, there are some similarities but also some differences. They are similar in that both are smokeless products which can be used indoors. Both can help the user intake nicotine without smoke and tobacco. Both also have quick nicotine absorption. Lastly, both can be seen as smokeless alternatives to smoking or vaping.

As for the differences, nicotine inhalers are NRT products that can be bought at pharmacies, while nicotine pouches are not. Both are used orally, but the nicotine pouch has longer effects as it sits behind the upper lip for up to 60 minutes. Lastly, nicotine pouches exist in a variety of brands and flavors, while the range for nicotine inhalers would be more limited.

Where can they be bought?

If someone chooses to use nicotine inhalers, they would find these readily available in pharmacies across the country. You would be able to find nicotine pouches, on the other hand, in most retail outlets around Ireland. The Nicopods.ie webshop boasts by far Ireland’s largest variety of nicotine pouches.

We conclude by recommending people who want to quit smoking to consult available resources and medical professionals. We remind that nicotine is an addictive substance, and that smoking is a harmful habit which people should seek to replace or even better, quit entirely.