October 10 Flashcards
1
Q
Nicotine - general knowledge
A
- Produced in nightshade plants
- Highly toxic
- Traditional use if for ceremonies and gifts
2
Q
Toxicity
A
- Smoking is the single greatest avoidable cause of death
- Tar, carbon monoxide, and nicotine
- Risks of second hand smoke
3
Q
Toxicity - prenatal
A
- More miscarriages
- Low birth weight
- Developmental deficits
4
Q
Withdrawal symptoms
A
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Restlessness
- Weight gain
- Irritability
5
Q
Nicotine pharmacokinetics
A
- Absorbed from every site on or in the body
- Inhalation most effective
- Reaches the brain in 10 - 20 seconds
- 8 - 10 mg/cigarette
- 20 - 25% enters bloodstream
6
Q
Absorption
A
- Distilled from burning tobacco
- Smoke reaches the airway and alveoli, then enters bloodstream
- Blood concentrations rise quickly; peaks at end of session
- Smokers can titrate their dose
7
Q
Metabolism
A
- Nicotine primarily deactivated in the liver; excreted by the kidneys
- Primarily metabolized by the CYP2A6
- Nicotine and other metabolites are excreted in urine
- Half life 1 - 3 hours
8
Q
Nicotine pharmacodynamics
A
- Mimics acetylcholine (Ach)
- Stimulates then blocks certain nicotinic receptors
- Na+ and other cations flow in, cell is depolarised
9
Q
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
A
Ionotropic
10
Q
Norepinephrine
A
Nicotine increases the firing rate of the Locus Coreuleus
- sympathomimetic
11
Q
Serotonin
A
- Increases serotonin secretion
- Nicotine withdrawal decreases serotonin
12
Q
Dopamine
A
- Mesolimbic area such as the VTA
- Dopaminergic projections from the VTA to the NAc
13
Q
Acute nicotine effects
A
- Stimulating and calming effects reported
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar
- Decreased oxygen carrying capacity in the blood
- Increased electrical activity in the cortex
- Reduced hunger
14
Q
Nicotine poisoning
A
LOW LEVELS:
- Nausea, dizziness, weakness
HIGH LEVELS:
- Tremors, convulsions, paralysis of breathing
