Nicotine is an alkaloid and an addicting component of the tobacco plant, Nicotiana. Tobacco has historically been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments because of its alleged properties to induce vomiting, kill pain and fight infection. Not infrequently, patients were poisoned by such treatments. Nicotine has effects on the central nervous system that depress the appetite, constrict blood vessels, increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, release adrenaline and speed up respirations. Tolerance and dependency develop with continued use.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Tobacco smoke contains thousands of carcinogenic and irritant chemicals, including the poisonous substance carbon monoxide, which impairs the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the cells of organs and tissues. The administration of small amounts of nicotine lessens withdrawal symptoms for those who wish to stop smoking and eliminates other harmful components in tobacco smoke. The drug comes in a variety of forms, such as nasal sprays, inhalers, gum, lozenges or skin patches. Side effects may include localized irritation or sores, dizziness, nausea and headache. Drug Information Online warns nicotine users to seek immediate care in the case of overdose, which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, confusion, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, seizures and death.
Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that damages the lining of the colon. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea with mucus, weight loss and poor absorption of nutrients. The disorder may be caused by hereditary autoimmune factors. Researchers for the Cochrane Collaboration reviewed five randomized controlled studies comparing transdermal patches containing 15 to 25 mg of nicotine to placebo and anti-inflammatory medications in subjects with active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. While the number of patients achieving improvement or complete remission of symptoms while on nicotine was significantly higher than those receiving no treatment, other medications had equal benefits. A high rate of side effects, however, limited the use of nicotine in some subjects.
Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder primarily affecting older nonsmoking men. Symptoms include tremor, rigidity, slow movement and poor balance. ClinicalTrials.gov reports that, as of 2010, researchers in Paris, France are conducting a randomized controlled trial to test the effects of high doses of nicotine on motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease. The study builds on initial results from 6 patients, including one who has been treated successfully with nicotine patches over a period of 8 years without adverse cardiovascular effects.
