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Not sure what to do? Have an urgent question?

If your child is having symptoms or you don't know the exact substance or amount swallowed, call the Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

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My Child Ate Nicotine Gum

Q: My child ate nicotine gum. Is nicotine gum toxic?

Nicotine gum is highly toxic. If you suspect your child chewed on or ate nicotine gum, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for advice specific to your situation.

Nicotine Gum is highly toxic .

If you suspect your child chewed on or ate nicotine gum, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for advice specific to your situation.

If your child ate chewing gum that doesn’t contain nicotine, see our page on gum for more information.

What to know: Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum includes brands like Nicorette, Quit2, Lucy and more.
Nicotine gum can be a choking hazard. If your child is choking on nicotine gum, call 911 immediately.

Toxicity Level

What are toxicity levels?

My child ate nicotine gum. Is nicotine gum toxic?

Nicotine gum contains nicotine, a highly toxic substance. The gum is used to help people quit smoking. If you suspect your child chewed or swallowed a piece of nicotine gum, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for advice specific to your situation.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Eating or chewing nicotine gum can cause vomiting, sweating, drowsiness, tiredness, shaking, confusion, seizures and even death. If your child develops any symptoms, or has chewed or swallowed nicotine gum, call IPC now at 1-800-222-1222.

Eye Exposure

Nicotine gum may cause irritation if exposed to eyes.
If your child got nicotine gum in their eyes, rinse by pouring clean, lukewarm water across the affected eye(s) for 15 minutes.

For more instructions, please see our page on eye exposure information.