title: Elimination of cotinine from body fluids: disposition in smokers and nonsmokers.
abstract: We have evaluated differences in the elimination of cotinine, a major nicotine metabolite, in smokers who quit smoking and never-smokers who were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) under controlled conditions. The mean biological half-life of cotinine in urine, collected from the nine smokers was 16.5 +/- 1.2 h, in never-smokers exposed to ETS, 27.3 +/- 1.9 h. Differences in the mode of uptake and absorption of nicotine and possible differences in nicotine metabolism may play roles in the clearance rate differences between smokers and nonsmokers.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutrition and Endocrinology, American Health Foundation, Valhalla, NY 10595.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Haley
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Sepkovic
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003367:Cotinine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000378:metabolism; D011760:Pyrrolidinones / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D012907:Smoking / Q000378:metabolism*; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D011760:Pyrrolidinones; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution; D009538:Nicotine; D003367:Cotinine