Physiologic effects of nicotine polacrilex.
Nicotine is the pharmacologically active agent in tobacco responsible for the maintenance of cigarette smoking behavior. Paradoxically, nicotine also offers the most promise in the successful treatment of cigarette smoking when it is delivered to the central nervous system in a safer and more manageable form. By transferring the physiologic dependence from nicotine contained in tobacco to nicotine bound in a polacrilex, the behavioral aspects associated with cigarette smoking can be removed with a minimal amount of discomfort or risk of relapse. Nicotine bound to a polacrilex and administered as a chewing gum is currently the replacement of choice since many of the systemic effects of nicotine delivered via this route are similar to the effects of nicotine delivered in cigarette smoke without the accompanying exposure to carbon monoxide and tar. Factors such as administered dose, schedule of dosing, and rate and vigor of chew, however, can significantly alter the desired effects. This paper provides a summary of the physiologic changes which may affect the effectiveness of nicotine gum as a pharmacologic adjunct in the treatment of tobacco dependence.
Nemeth-Coslett
R
R
National Institute on Drug Abuse, Division of Clinical Research, Rockville, MD 20857.
D002638:Chewing Gum; D006801:Humans; D009538:Nicotine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000494:pharmacology*; D061485:Tobacco Use Cessation Devices
D002638:Chewing Gum; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids; D011145:Polyvinyls; D009538:Nicotine