Metabolism and biochemical effects of nicotine for primary care providers.
Nicotine is a colorless and volatile liquid alkaloid naturally occurring in the leaves and stems of Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica. Nicotine, the primary component of tobacco, is responsible for both tobacco product addiction (with chronic exposure) and the odor associated with tobacco. In addition to cigarettes, nicotine is found in chewing gum, transdermal patches, nasal spray, and sublingual tablets. Following its inhalation and absorption, nicotine and its metabolic products exert diverse physiologic and pharmacologic effects. This article covers the absorption and metabolism of nicotine, nicotine toxicity, pharmacologic effects of nicotine, nicotine-drug interactions, and the use of nicotine for the treatment of disease.
Laboratory of Medicinal Biochemistry, Center for Patient-Oriented Research, North Shore Long Island Jewish Research Institute, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA. cmetz@nshs.edu
Christine N
CN
Metz
Peter K
PK
Gregersen
Anil K
AK
Malhotra
D001189:Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases / Q000235:genetics; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy; D065637:Cytochrome P-450 CYP2A6; D006801:Humans; D006899:Mixed Function Oxygenases / Q000235:genetics; D009538:Nicotine / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D018722:Nicotinic Agonists; D009538:Nicotine; D006899:Mixed Function Oxygenases; D001189:Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases; D065637:Cytochrome P-450 CYP2A6