Nicotine and Cotinine Levels With Electronic Cigarette: a Review

Introduction:
This review summarizes studies on nicotine and cotinine levels following the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The text provides information on the population size, age of participants, concentration of nicotine in refill liquids, study sample design, and observed concentrations of nicotine and cotinine.

Key Points:

* The review includes eight studies, and the population size ranges from 7 to 32 participants.
* The age of participants ranges from 15 to 55 years old.
* The concentration of nicotine in refill liquids varies from 9 to 24 mg/mL.
* The study designs include plasma nicotine concentrations measured between 0 and 5 ng/mL or between 13.9 and 16.3 ng/mL, with Tmax between 70 and 75 minutes.
* Cotinine levels after e-cigarette use are similar to a tobacco cigarette.
* The peak concentration of nicotine is dependent on the use and dose level of e-cigarette cartridge.
* The time corresponding to the peak concentration is delayed compared to a tobacco cigarette.

Main Message:
The review highlights the importance of understanding the pharmacokinetics of e-cigarettes and their impact on nicotine and cotinine levels. The peak concentration of nicotine appears to be similar to a tobacco cigarette, but the time to reach the peak concentration is delayed in e-cigarette use. Cotinine levels after e-cigarette use are also similar to a tobacco cigarette. These findings suggest that e-cigarettes may deliver nicotine in a similar manner to tobacco cigarettes, which has implications for their regulation and use as a smoking cessation tool. It is important for healthcare professionals to be informed of the available scientific evidence regarding e-cigarettes and their impact on nicotine and cotinine levels.

Marsot, a., and N. Simon. “Nicotine and Cotinine Levels With Electronic Cigarette: a Review.” International Journal of Toxicology 35, no. 2 (March 2016): 179–85. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581815618935.