Ch.8 Comprehensive Tobacco & Nicotine: History, Pharmacology, and Health Effects

Nicotine

The principal alkaloid in tobacco, derived from nicotinic acid.

Preparation of tobacco leaves

Dried & fermented (oxidized) before being made into products.

Introduction of tobacco to Europe and Asia

Western Europeans after seeing Native Americans smoking dried leaves. Spanish imported & monopolized it

Jean Nicot

A French ambassador who sent tobacco seeds to France, believing in its medical value.

Isolation of nicotine

1828- shown to have addictive properties

Nicotine replacement products

Gum, patch, e-cigarettes (absorption through mouth membranes).

1964 U.S. Surgeon General's Report

Linked smoking to cancer & disease.

2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

Law that gave the FDA control over tobacco.

Factors affecting smoking prevalence in the U.S.

Age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and employment.

Nicotine absorption per cigarette

About 1 mg per 10 puffs.

Time for nicotine to reach the brain after inhalation

In 10-20 seconds.

Nicotine concentration after 30 minutes

Liver, kidneys, salivary glands, & stomach.

Development of nicotine tolerance

Within several weeks.

More dependent metabolizers

Rapid metabolizers.

Type of drug nicotine is

A cholinergic agonist with biphasic (stimulant & depressant) effects.

Neurotransmitters stimulated by nicotine

Epinephrine, norepinephrine, & dopamine.

Nicotine's effect on performance

May improve alertness & working memory speed, not accuracy.

Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms

Cravings, anxiety, irritability, increased appetite, sleep issues.

Nature of nicotine withdrawal

Mainly psychological. (In your head, not physiological)

Faster nicotine metabolism

Women (especially with estrogen or birth control).

Ethnic group w/ slowest nicotine clearance

Chinese Americans.

Main harmful components of cigarette smoke

Tar, nicotine, & carbon monoxide.

Annual U.S. deaths from smoking

~480,000 (including 41,000 from secondhand smoke).

3rd-hand smoke

Residual toxins left on hair, fabrics, and surfaces.

Diseases linked to smoking

COPD, heart disease, stroke, & various cancers.

Percentage of lung cancer deaths caused by smoking

87%.

Smoking effects on pregnancy

Increases risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Provides controlled nicotine via patch, gum, spray, or lozenge to reduce cravings.

Medications to help quit smoking

Bupropion (Zyban/Wellbutrin) & Varenicline.

Reason for common relapse

Nicotine craving persists long after quitting.