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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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