There are two types of transdermal patch, both of which are changed daily: one is left on for 24 hours and the other is used for 16 hours daily during waking hours only and is removed before going to bed.

The former provides a residual nicotine level the next morning and may be better for smokers who crave a cigarette as soon as they wake up. However, nicotine levels maintained overnight can produce sleep disturbances, which may be avoided with use of the 16-hour patch.

Three brands of patch are available, all available in three strengths (7mg, 14mg and 21mg over 24 hours in two brands; and 10mg, 15mg and 25mg over 16 hours in the other), which allow for a smooth reduction in nicotine intake.

With both 16- and 24-hour patches, nicotine plasma concentrations are about half those obtained from smoking an average number of cigarettes per day. Transdermal patches have the convenience of a once-daily application and may be the most suitable form of NRT for people in whom the behavioural aspect of smoking is relatively unimportant.