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Effects of cotinine on cigarette self-administration
D Hatsukami1, B Lexau, D Nelson
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Psychopharmacology
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Cotinine, a nicotine metabolite, did not affect cigarette consumption or subjective experiences. However, higher doses of cotinine increased nicotine levels in the blood, suggesting a selective impact on withdrawal symptoms rather than smoking behavior.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Science
Background:
- Cotinine is a primary metabolite of nicotine.
- Previous research indicates cotinine may counteract some nicotine effects, including reducing withdrawal symptoms from nicotine replacement therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying cotinine fumarate doses on cigarette self-administration.
- To assess cotinine's effects on nicotine intake and subjective responses to smoking.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with participants assigned to placebo or one of three cotinine fumarate doses (40, 80, 160 mg) for 10 days.
- Measured outcomes included cigarettes smoked, carbon monoxide levels, cigarette butt weight, nicotine serum levels, and subjective responses.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in the number of cigarettes smoked, carbon monoxide levels, or cigarette butt weights across cotinine doses and placebo.
- Nicotine serum levels were higher in the 160 mg cotinine fumarate group compared to placebo and the 40 mg group.
- No consistent effects of cotinine on subjective smoking experiences were observed.
Conclusions:
- Cotinine does not appear to influence the quantity of cigarettes smoked or subjective responses to smoking.
- Cotinine may selectively modulate nicotine withdrawal symptoms without affecting cigarette self-administration or overall smoking behavior.