Nicotine_Polacrilex: profile and news

First-Time Generic Approvals: Commit, Dynacirc, Norco Feb 14, 2006
Feb. 14, 2006 — The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved first-time generic formulations of nicotine polacrilex 2- and 4-mg lozenges to reduce ... - Medscape (subscription)

Perrigo Company Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2006 Financial ... Feb 2, 2006
...announced today that it has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine polacrilex lozenges. ... - MSN Money

Perrigo Profit Tops View Feb 2, 2006
Perrigo received approval from the US FDA to market OTC (over-the-counter) nicotine polacrilex lozenges whose brand name product sales at retail were ... - TheStreet.com

Improving the Rates of Quitting Smoking for Veterans With ... Jun 30, 2005
The subjects received smoking-cessation protocol medications (bupropion, transdermal nicotine, nicotine polacrilex gum, and nicotine spray) from the ... - Am J Psychiatry (subscription)

Elder launches nicotine replacement therapy gum Mar 18, 2005
City-based Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd has launched NuLife (nicotine polacrilex USP) chewing gum, a nicotine replacement therapy product (NRT) for tobacco ... - Express Pharma Pulse,

Other information

Indication
For the relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms and as an aid to smoking cessation

Pharmacology
Nicotine, the primary alkaloid in tobacco products binds stereo-selectively to nicotinic-cholinergic receptors on autonomic ganglia, the adrenal medulla, neuromuscular junctions and in the brain. Nicotine exerts two effects, a stimulant effect exerted at the locus ceruleus and a reward effect in the limbic system. Itranvenous administration of nicotine causes release of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonine, vasopressin, beta-endorphin and ACTH. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Nicotine also induces peripheral vasoconstriction, tachycardia and elevated blood pressure. Nicotine inhalers and patches are used to treat smoking withdrawl syndrome. Nicotine is classified as a stimulant of autonomic ganglia.

Mechanism Of Action
Nicotine binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Stimulation of nicotinic receptors leads to a variety of cholinergic and adrenergic effects; tachycardia or bradycardia mediated by either stimulation or interference with sympathetic or parasympathetic pathways, stimulation of receptors in the carotic and aortic bodies, release of epinephrine from the adrenal medulla, and stimulation of the chemoreceptor-trigger zone.

Drug Category
Anti-craving Agents; Central Nervous System Agents; Autonomic drugs; Nicotinic Agonists; ATC:N07BA01

Brand Names/Synonyms
Black Leaf; Black Leaf 40; Campbell's Nico-Soap; Commit; Destruxol Orchid Spray; Emo-Nik; Flux Maag; Fumetobac; Habitrol; L-Nicotine; Mach-Nic; Niagara P.A. Dust; Nic-Sal; Nico-Dust; Nico-Fume; Nicocide; Nicoderm; Nicoderm Cq; Nicorette; Nicorette Plus; Nicotin; Nicotina; Nicotine; Nicotine Alkaloid; Nicotine Polacrilex; Nicotrol; Nicotrol Inhaler; Nicotrol Ns; Nikotin; Nikotyna; Ortho N-4 Dust; Ortho N-5 Dust; Prostep; Tendust; Tetrahydronicotyrine, Dl-; Xl All Insecticide

Dosage Forms
Gum, Inhaler, Patches

Absorption
Absorption of nicotine through the buccal mucosa is relatively slow and the high and rapid rise followed by the decline in nicotine arterial plasma concentrations seen with cigarette smoking are not achieved with the inhaler. About 10% of absorbed nicotine is excreted unchanged in urine.

Interactions
Interactions for Nicotine:

Physiological changes resulting from smoking cessation, with or without nicotine replacement, may alter the pharmacokinetics of certain concomitant medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants and theophylline. Doses of these and perhaps other medications may need to be adjusted in patients who successfully quit smoking.

Chemical IUPAC Name
3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine

Chemical Formula
C10H14N2

Half Life
Cotinine has a half life of 15-20 hours, while nicotine has a half life of 1-3 hours

Drug Type
Approved Drug

# Accession No
APRD00200

CAS Registry Number
54-11-5