Nicotine poisoning Health Article

Definition

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 is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient

Nicotine

Where Found

• Chewing tobacco
• Cigarettes
• Nicotine gum (Nicorette)
• Nicotine patches (Habitrol, Nicoderm)
• Pipe tobacco
• Some insecticides
• Tobacco leaves

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Abdominal cramps
• Agitation, restlessness, or excitement
• Muscular twitching
• Breathing - rapid
• Breathing - stops
• Burning sensation in mouth
• Coma
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Depression
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling (increased salivation)
• Fainting
• Headache
• Heartbeat - pounding and rapid, followed by slow heart rate
• High blood pressure, which then drops
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Home Treatment

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 patient'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.