Nicotine
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
162.23
Molecular Formula
C10H14N2
IUPAC Name
(S)-3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Nicotiana tabacum
Active Constituents
Nicotine, Nornicotine
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Agonist at central and peripheral nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs).
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Rapidly absorbed via lungs, buccal mucosa, skin.
D: Widely distributed, readily crosses BBB.
M: Hepatic via CYP2A6 to cotinine.
E: Renal.
Pharmacodynamics
Biphasic effect: central stimulation and euphoria followed by depression; increases heart rate/BP.
Synthesis Pathway
Biosynthesized from ornithine (pyrrolidine ring) and nicotinic acid (pyridine ring).
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Nausea, palpitations, addiction, vasoconstriction.
Contraindications
Immediate post-MI period, severe life-threatening arrhythmias.
Drug Interactions
Alters metabolism of many drugs by inducing CYP enzymes (smoking effect).
Pharmaceutics & Compendia
Dosage Forms
Transdermal patches, Gums, Lozenges
Official Compendia
IP, BP, USP