SMOKING AND DRUG INTERACTION

Nicotine is the primary active ingredient in cigarettes. Smoking tobacco delivers nicotine to your blood stream. Some medications can interact with nicotine to cause a harmful effect. The most obvious drugs are those that also contain nicotine.

Some medications that are used to help a person quit smoking contain nicotine. It is important not to smoke while using these medications. These medications will specifically help you quit smoking by relieving withdrawal symptoms from nicotine. Your healthcare provider can tell you which medications contain nicotine.

Another medication that should not be used when smoking is theophylline. This medication works by opening airways. Smoking causes the opposite to happen. A number of asthma medications have theophylline in them or have similar action to theophylline. So be sure to read any directions that come with asthma medication before smoking. In fact, any time a medication for asthma or breathing problems is taken, the person should not smoke.

Smoking cigarettes causes blood vessels to narrow. Smoking can also cause blood pressure to go up. If taking medication for high blood pressure, smoking will make the situation worse. If taking medications for heart disease, smoking will just make it harder for the medication to do its job.

Always read the instructions on any medication label. Along with your healthcare provider, a pharmacist can also help answer any questions you might have about smoking and taking medications.

If you are concerned about smoking, ask your healthcare provider for some information about quitting. There are many programs available to help people quit the smoking habit. For more information, call your local American Lung Association or (800) LUNG-USA or visit their website at www.lungusa.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File SUBS4996.RF2 VRS# 4996 Data Version 7.0