Nicotine Patch Trial in Syrian Primary Care Settings

Subjects in the experimental group receive six weeks of nicotine patch treatment, 24 hour dose, using a step-down algorithm. Participants who smoke greater than 10 cigarettes/day receive two weeks of 21 mg patch, followed by two weeks of 14 mg patch, and then two weeks of 7 mg patch. Participants who smoke 5-9 cigarettes per day receive four weeks of 14 mg patch, followed by two weeks of 7 mg.

"Subjects in the placebo condition receive an inert placebo patch matched for size, shape, color, and packaging.~The same step-down dosing algorithm as in the experimental condition is used."