A person can develop life-threatening toxicity from the transdermal nicotine patch if it is used inappropriately.
People at risk for acute intoxication from a transdermal nicotine patch:
(1) a small child who eats a patch
(2) a person who intentionally places or ingests multiple patches, often as a suicide attempt
(3) a person who is accidentally wearing multiple patches with a sudden increase in nicotine release (placement of a heating pad, etc)
The patient may present with:
(1) seizures
(2) dizziness
(3) a change in the level of consciousness
(4) gastrointestinal complaints (nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps)
(5) increased salivation
(6) difficulty breathng or respiratory failure
A person trying to commit suicide may be taking additional drugs, resulting in a mixed intoxication.
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
