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Nicotine poisoning

 

Nicotine is a bitter-tasting compound that naturally occurs in large amounts in the leaves of tobacco plants.

Nicotine poisoning results from too much nicotine. Acute nicotine poisoning usually occurs in young children who accidentally chew on nicotine gum or patches.

This article is for information only. Do NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Nicotine

Where Found

 

Nicotine is found in:

  • Chewing tobacco
  • Cigarettes
  • E-cigarettes
  • Liquid nicotine
  • Nicotine gum (Nicorette)
  • Nicotine patches (Habitrol, Nicoderm)
  • Pipe tobacco
  • Some insecticides
  • Tobacco leaves

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Agitation , restlessness, or excitement
  • Burning sensation in mouth
  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Depression
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Drooling (increased salivation)
  • Fainting
  • Headache
  • Muscle twitching
  • Fast and pounding heartbeat followed by slow heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Stopped breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness

 

Home Care

 

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin, wash with soap and lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

 

Before Calling Emergency

 

Determine the following information:

  • The person's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
  • When it was swallowed or inhaled
  • The amount swallowed or inhaled

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

 

Poison Control

 

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

 

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

  • Activated charcoal
  • Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation), and breathing machine (ventilator)
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Chest x-ray
  • EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
  • Fluids through a vein (IV)
  • Laxative
  • Medicines to treat symptoms, including agitation, rapid heart rate, seizures, and nausea

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

How well a person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

A nicotine overdose may cause seizures or death. However, unless there are complications, long-term effects from nicotine are uncommon.

 

 

Open References

References

American Association of Poison Control Centers. E-cigarettes and liquid nicotine. www.aapcc.org/alerts/e-cigarettes/ . Accessed May 10, 2016.

Goldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies . 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2011.

Rao RB, Hoffman RS. Cocaine and other sympathomimetics. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 154.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Self Care

           

            Tests for Nicotine poisoning

             
               

              Review Date: 1/16/2015

              Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 5/10/2016.

              The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

               
               
               

               

               

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