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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 Patches

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

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.

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.