Determination of Nicotine Absorption from Multiple Tobacco Products and Nicotine Gum

Abstract

Introduction:Snus is a smokeless tobacco product traditionally used in Scandinavia and available in pouched or loose forms. The objective of this study was to determine nicotine absorption for current pouched and loose snus products in comparison with a cigarette and an over-the-counter nicotine gum.Methods:We conducted an open-label, randomized, 6-way, crossover study involving 20 healthy snus and cigarette users. One of 6 products (2 pouched snus, 2 weights of loose snus, a cigarette, and a nicotine gum) was administered at each of 6 visits. Blood samples were taken at intervals over 120 min and sensory perception assessed by questionnaire.Results:For the 4 smokeless tobacco products and the nicotine gum, blood plasma levels of nicotine were ranked according to total nicotine content as follows: loose snus (27.1 mg nicotine) > pouched snus (14.7 mg nicotine) > loose snus (10.8 mg nicotine) = pouched snus (10.7 mg nicotine) > nicotine gum (4.2 mg nicotine). The area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of nicotine ranged from 26.9 to 13.1 ng.h/ml and 17.9 to 9.1 ng.h/ml, respectively across all the products. Nicotine was absorbed more rapidly from the cigarette but systemic exposure was within the range of the smokeless tobacco products (AUC = 14.8 ng.h/ml; Cmax = 12.8 ng.h/ml).Conclusions:This study has generated new information on comparative nicotine absorption from a cigarette, loose snus, and pouched snus typical of products sold in Scandinavia. The similar nicotine absorption for 1 g portions of loose and pouched snus with approximately 11 mg of nicotine indicate that absorption kinetics were dependent on quantity of tobacco by weight and total nicotine content rather than product form.

Snus use and cardiovascular risk factors in the general population: the HUNT3 study

“…We also found elevated systolic blood pressure among snus users compared to a group with no previous tobacco use. Nicotine absorption is similar between snus and cigarettes [39]. The weak associations and the differences between snus and smoking would support the notion that nicotine itself plays a minor role in any relationship between use of tobacco and CVD risk [40].…”

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Use of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco Products

“…This is an important consideration when comparing smokeless tobacco to cigarettes because the former releases more nicotine into the blood over time while the latter provides a sharper spike in nicotine immediately after use [39]. That is, abused individuals may find that their withdrawal symptoms are more readily quelled by the quick release that cigarettes provide, thus reinforcing this type of tobacco use.…”

Acute electronic cigarette use: nicotine delivery and subjective effects in regular users

“…The bioanalysis of nicotine from plasma samples was conducted by Advanced Bioanalytical Service Laboratories Ltd, Welywn Garden City, United Kingdom. Samples were analysed by HPLC interfaced with an AB/MDS Sciex 4000 mass spectrometer (Digard et al, 2013). Quantification of nicotine was by peak area ratio.…”