Nicotine is the primary active ingredient in cigarettes. When smoked, 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 contain nicotine itself. These are medications that are used to help a person quit smoking. The purpose of these drugs is to ease the withdrawal symptoms and the craving for nicotine that occurs when we stop smoking.

There are now three types of nicotine products that are available for people quitting smoking. The nicotine patch and nicotine gum are available over the counter. The patch is placed on the body once a day. The gum is chewed from 10-15 times per day. A new product is nicotine nasal spray. When using any of these products, it is important to not smoke cigarettes. Because these products contain nicotine, the danger is overdose. It is important that these products are used exactly as directed. Get advice from your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using these products. Used correctly, the nicotine patch or gum can be used to quit smoking for good.

Another medication that we should not mix with smoking is theophylline. This medication works by opening our breathing airways. Smoking causes the opposite to happen. A number of asthma medications have theophylline in them or are similar to theophylline, so be sure to read any directions that come with your asthma medication before smoking while taking it. In fact, any time we are taking a medication for asthma or breathing problems of any kind, we should not smoke.

Smoking cigarettes causes our blood vessels to narrow. Smoking can also cause our blood pressure to go up. If we're taking medication for high blood pressure, smoking will make our situation worse. If we are 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. A pharmacist can answer any questions you might have about smoking and taking medications. If you are concerned about your smoking, ask your healthcare provider for some information about quitting. He or she may be able to refer you to a program that will help you quit. To learn more, call your local American Lung Association or (800) LUNG-USA.

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