Nicotine absorption from electronic cigarette use: comparison between first and new-generation devices

Abstract

A wide range of electronic cigarette (EC) devices, from small cigarette-like (first-generation) to new-generation high-capacity batteries with electronic circuits that provide high energy to a refillable atomizer, are available for smokers to substitute smoking. Nicotine delivery to the bloodstream is important in determining the addictiveness of ECs, but also their efficacy as smoking substitutes. In this study, plasma nicotine levels were measured in experienced users using a first- vs. new-generation EC device for 1 hour with an 18 mg/ml nicotine-containing liquid. Plasma nicotine levels were higher by 35–72% when using the new- compared to the first-generation device. Compared to smoking one tobacco cigarette, the EC devices and liquid used in this study delivered one-third to one-fourth the amount of nicotine after 5 minutes of use. New-generation EC devices were more efficient in nicotine delivery, but still delivered nicotine much slower compared to tobacco cigarettes. The use of 18 mg/ml nicotine-concentration liquid probably compromises ECs' effectiveness as smoking substitutes; this study supports the need for higher levels of nicotine-containing liquids (approximately 50 mg/ml) in order to deliver nicotine more effectively and approach the nicotine-delivery profile of tobacco cigarettes.

Expectancies for Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Nicotine Replacement Therapies Among E-Cigarette Users (aka Vapers)

“…Current evidence on nicotine delivery in e-cigarettes commercially available at the time of the survey suggests a much more delayed nicotine onset than with cigarettes. 47,48 These data are consistent with a large body of evidence suggesting that rapid delivery of drugs leads to increased addictive symptomatology than slower delivery. [49][50][51] However, e-cigarettes are likely to evolve into more rapid nicotine delivery systems as product design is improved, as we have already seen in comparisons between first and second generation e-cigarettes.…”

Effects of User Puff Topography, Device Voltage, and Liquid Nicotine Concentration on Electronic Cigarette Nicotine Yield: Measurements and Model Predictions

“…Some reports suggest that ECIGs deliver a considerable amount of nicotine, 10 whereas other reports do not. 15,16,17 It has been hypothesized that these mixed results derived from variations in user experience and device type, 10,39 factors which, as this study has shown, likely affect the amount of nicotine obtained from the mouth end of an ECIG. Depending on user puff topography and operating conditions, we have found that a given ECIG product can provide far less or far more nicotine than a single combustible cigarette.…”

Development of a Questionnaire for Assessing Dependence on Electronic Cigarettes Among a Large Sample of Ex-Smoking E-cigarette Users

“…This is also consistent with existing data, showing that advanced generation models deliver higher blood nicotine levels than current "cigalike" models. 25,26 This study found that scores on the PS Electronic Cigarette Index were significantly related to the concentration of nicotine in the e-cig liquid being used, even after controlling for other predictors. This may not be very surprising, but is at least consistent with the idea that the items selected for the index are somewhat sensitive .…”