Nicotine exposure and subject response following use of two smokeless, spitless tobacco products and medicinal nicotine

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco products that can be used discreetly are being introduced into the marketplace with limited information currently available about these products. Methods: Eleven smokeless tobacco users used either Camel Snus, Taboka or nicotine lozenge at each of three sessions for 30 minutes. Nicotine concentrations were measured over 90 minutes and subjective measures were assessed during product use. Results: Significant differences were found among products in Cmax (significantly higher during nicotine lozenge and Camel Snus use than during Taboka use) and in the 90 minute AUC (significantly higher during nicotine lozenge use than during Camel Snus use which was significantly higher than during Taboka use). Craving and withdrawal symptoms decline did not differ among products and few differences were seen on measures of product effects or liking. Conclusion: Based on current data, smokers interested in switching to less harmful products should be encouraged to use medicinal nicotine.