For smoking reduction before attempting to give up, gum may be used between smoking episodes and a quit attempt should be made as soon as the smoker feels ready. Professional advice should be sought if there has been no reduction in smoking after six weeks, or no quit attempt within nine months.

Correct chewing technique maximises buccal absorption of nicotine from the gum and reduces adverse effects from swallowing the drug in saliva. The gum is chewed slowly to release nicotine, until the taste becomes strong and ‘peppery’.

Chewing is then stopped and the gum is rested between the gum and cheek until the taste fades. This procedure is repeated until the gum has lost its flavour, which should take about 30 minutes.