Effect of an electronic nicotine delivery device (e cigarette) on desire to smoke and withdrawal, user preferences and nicotine delivery: randomised cross-over trial

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a randomized cross-over trial examining the effects of an electronic nicotine delivery device (e-cigarette) on desire to smoke, withdrawal symptoms, user preferences, and nicotine delivery. The study aims to measure the short-term effects of the e-cigarette and compare it to a nicotine inhalator and regular cigarettes.

Key Points:

* The study included 40 adult dependent smokers who were randomized to use e-cigarettes with 16mg or 0mg nicotine capsules, a nicotine inhalator, or their usual cigarette on four separate study days.
* Participants recorded lower desire to smoke after using e-cigarettes with 16mg nicotine compared to 0mg nicotine (p=0.006).
* E-cigarettes were more pleasant to use than the inhalator (p=0.016) and produced less irritation of the mouth and throat (p<0.001).
* The e-cigarette increased serum nicotine to a peak of 1.3 ng/ml in 19.6 minutes, while the inhalator increased serum nicotine to 2.1 ng/ml in 32 minutes and cigarettes increased serum nicotine to 13.4 ng/ml in 14.3 minutes.
* No serious adverse events occurred during the study.
* The study concludes that the e-cigarette alleviated desire to smoke after overnight abstinence, was well tolerated, and had a pharmacokinetic profile more like the nicotine inhalator than a tobacco cigarette.

Main Message:
The study suggests that e-cigarettes with nicotine may be effective in reducing desire to smoke and have a pharmacokinetic profile similar to nicotine inhalers. however, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term safety, potential for long-term use, and efficacy as a cessation aid. The study highlights the importance of regulating e-cigarettes to ensure their safety and efficacy in helping smokers quit.

Bullen, C, h McRobbie, S Thornley, M Glover, R Lin, and M Laugesen. “Effect of an Electronic Nicotine Delivery Device (e Cigarette) on Desire to Smoke and Withdrawal, User Preferences and Nicotine Delivery: Randomised Cross-over Trial.” Tobacco Control 19, no. 2 (april 2010): 98–103. https://doi.org/10.1136/tc.2009.031567.