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Kaia K. Boatner

NICOTINE

+What is Nicotine?

A nitrogen-containing chemical – an alkaloid, which is made by several types of plants, including the tobacco plant.

It is made in the roots and accumulates in the leaves of the plant.

Nicotine is a stimulant drug.

Nicotiana tabacum is the type of nicotine found in tobacco plants, which comes from the nightshade family.

Nicotine is also an antiherbivore chemical, specifically for the elimination of insects.

+What is Nicotine used for?

Tobacco products: cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco

Pharmaceutical products: to aid in smoking cessation

Cosmetic creams: skin tightening

Agriculture: insecticides

+Who is exposed to Nicotine?

Farm workers in tobacco fields

Individuals who smoke tobacco products

Individuals exposed to secondhand smoke

Individuals who eat eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes, etc.

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+Routes of Exposure/Entry

Nicotine can be absorbed in the body by:

Inhalation

Ingestion

Dermal

+Target Organs of Nicotine

Lungs

Liver

Heart

Brain

+Mechanism of Action of Nicotine

http://youtu.be/yd46Hs7pTow?t=52s

+Toxicokinetics Nicotine is a water and lipid soluble drug which, in the

free base form, is readily absorbed via respiratory tissues, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract. Nicotine may pass through skin or mucous membranes when in alkaline solution.

The effect of nicotine declines as it is distributed to other tissues. The distribution half-life, which describes the movement of nicotine from the blood and other rapidly perfused tissues, such as the brain, to other body tissues, is about 9 min.

Nicotine undergoes a large first pass effect during which the liver metabolizes 80% to 90%; to a smaller extent, the lung also is able to metabolize nicotine. The major metabolite of nicotine is cotinine.

Nicotine and its metabolites (cotinine and nicotine 1-N-oxide) are excreted in the urine.

+Clinical Signs/Symptoms

Abdominal cramps

Agitation

Muscular twitching

Burning sensation in mouth

Rapid breathing

Confusion

Convulsions

Depression

Drooling (increased saliva)

Fainting

Headache

Vomiting

Rapid heart beat followed by slowed heart rate

High blood pressure which then drops

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+Health Effects of Nicotine Poisoning

Green tobacco sickness (GTS)

Paralysis of respiratory muscles

Central respiratory failure

Coronary and peripheral vascular disease

Chronic obstructive lung disease

Peptic ulcer and reproductive disturbances (prematurity)

Acute Health Effects Chronic Health Effects

+Treatment

Activated Charcoal

Gastric Lavage

Atropine (signs of parasympathetic toxicity)

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