Twenty-four-hour subjective and pharmacological effects of ad-libitum electronic and combustible cigarette use among dual users.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study examining the pharmacological effects of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes over a 24-hour period among dual users. The study aims to measure and compare nicotine exposure and subjective effects of different types of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. The study's findings offer valuable insights into the relative impact of e-cigarettes and cigarettes on nicotine delivery and subjective effects.

Key Points:

* The study used a two-arm within-subject crossover design with a preferred e-cigarette or cigarette used ad libitum for 48 hours.
* The study measured 24-hour blood plasma nicotine concentrations and 48-hour self-reported nicotine withdrawal symptoms and rewarding effects.
* The study found that e-cigarettes produced lower nicotine exposure than cigarettes for the majority of users, but 25% received more nicotine from e-cigarettes.
* There were no differences in subjective effects between e-cigarette types, but cigarettes were rated higher than e-cigarettes on desirable subjective effects.
* Withdrawal symptom reduction was comparable between e-cigarettes and cigarettes.
* The study found that nicotine exposure was similar for variable-power tank users but lower for cig-a-like and fixed-power tank users.
* The study suggests that e-cigarettes were effective in preventing withdrawal symptoms despite lower nicotine levels.

Main Message:
The study provides valuable insights into the pharmacological effects of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes over a 24-hour period. The findings suggest that while e-cigarettes produce lower nicotine exposure than cigarettes for most users, there is still a significant proportion of users who receive more nicotine from e-cigarettes. The study also highlights the importance of considering the type of e-cigarette used, as variable-power tank users had similar nicotine exposure to cigarette users. Overall, the study suggests that e-cigarettes can be effective in preventing nicotine withdrawal symptoms, but further research is needed to fully understand their long-term health effects.

harvanko aM, St helen G, Nardone N, addo N, Benowitz NL. Twenty-four-hour subjective and pharmacological effects of ad-libitum electronic and combustible cigarette use among dual users. addiction (abingdon, England). 2020;115(6):1149-1159. doi:10.1111/add.14931