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Poison Center Helpline 1-800-222-1222

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 Patches

Nicotine Patches
Nicotine Patches are Highly Toxic .

If you suspect your child ate any amount of nicotine patches, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for advice specific to your situation.

What to know: Nicotine Patches

  • Nicotine patches are known by the brand names NicoDerm, Habitrol, Nicotrol and more.
  • Nicotine patches can be a choking hazard. If your child is choking on a nicotine patch, call 911 immediately.

Toxicity Level

What are toxicity levels?

My child ate a nicotine patch. Are nicotine patches toxic?

Nicotine patches contain nicotine, a highly toxic substance. The patches are used to help people quit smoking. If you suspect your child swallowed a nicotine patch, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for advice specific to your situation.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Eating a nicotine patch can cause vomiting, sweating, drowsiness, tiredness, shaking, confusion, seizures and even death. If your child develops any symptoms, or has eaten one or more nicotine patches, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Eye Exposure

  • Nicotine patches may cause irritation if exposed to eyes.
  • If your child got nicotine patches 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.

Have an urgent question or need more help?

Don't hesitate to call IPC at

1-800-222-1222

This call is free and confidential.

Poison Center HelplineCalls are free and confidential.

  1. In Case of Emergency

    Call 911 if someone is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing.

  2. Remain Calm

    Most poison emergencies can be resolved quickly over the phone.

  3. Call the Helpline

    Call 1-800-222-1222 if you are concerned that you or someone else has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance.