Nicotine Dependence Management Pharmacy Service Protocol (NDMaPS), Third Edition 2026

The Nicotine Dependence Management Pharmacy Service Protocol (NDMaPS), Third Edition 2026, officially replaces the Garis Panduan Farmakoterapi Berhenti Merokok (FBM) Edisi Kedua 2019. This rebranding reflects the expansion of the clinical scope of pharmacists from conventional smoking cessation services to a more comprehensive approach to nicotine dependence management, encompassing the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) and heated tobacco products.

In line with this expanded scope, the 2026 protocol introduces a broader range of pharmacotherapy options, including nicotine mouth spray, cytisine, bupropion SR, and nortriptyline, as outlined in the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) on the Treatment of Nicotine Dependence and Tobacco Use Disorder 2025.

This update aims to standardise the implementation of services across all Ministry of Health Malaysia facilities and to further strengthen pharmacists’ competency in nicotine dependence management, in accordance with professional credentialing requirements. The document also includes relevant service management forms, pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy counselling guidelines, as well as other pertinent information related to the management of nicotine dependence.