Nicotine & Cotinine

What is Nicotine & Cotinine?

Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant naturally found in tobacco plants and commonly consumed through cigarettes, cigars, vaping devices, and smokeless tobacco. Once absorbed, the body rapidly metabolizes nicotine into cotinine, a stable and longer-lasting biomarker used in toxicology testing. Cotinine is preferred for screening because it remains in the system longer and provides a more accurate indication of recent nicotine exposure.

• Nicotine appears in tobacco products (leafy material), vape liquids (clear to colored fluids), patches, gums, and lozenges formulated for cessation.

• Cotinine is not a drug or consumable substance—it’s a metabolite detected in biological samples (urine, saliva, blood) for screening purposes.

Nicotine is typically inhaled through smoking or vaping, or absorbed through oral or dermal products like chew, gum, or patches.

• Medical/therapeutic uses: Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) such as gum, lozenges, and patches are FDA-approved to help smokers quit by delivering controlled, lower doses of nicotine.

• Recreational use: Smoking, vaping, or using smokeless tobacco products for stimulation, stress relief, or habit, often leading to dependence. Vaping has significantly increased nicotine exposure among young adults and teens.

Effects:

• Increased alertness and mild stimulation

• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

• Relaxation or stress relief due to dopamine release

• Reduced appetite

• Dizziness or nausea (especially in new users)

• Headaches

• Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and cravings

• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease with chronic use

• Reduced lung function and respiratory symptoms from smoking/vaping

• High addiction potential and difficulty quitting