What to do in case of nicotine poisoning? Tips & Alternatives

Nicotine is a poison that can cause health problems in excessive amounts. Cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic bronchitis are just some of the long-term consequences of smoking. These usually develop very slowly, which is why smokers often do not immediately notice the health effects. 

The amount absorbed while smoking is usually not high enough to cause a life-threatening poisoning. But what happens if nicotine-containing products are accidentally swallowed? What are the symptoms of nicotine poisoning and how high is the risk? 

In this article, we want to tell you more about nicotine poisoning and introduce you to some alternatives to cigarettes.

Nicotine poisoning is often caused by swallowing cigarettes or rolling tobacco. Other products such as cigars, snuff or chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, or patches for quitting can also lead to a so-called nicotine shock, but the risk is rather low.

How much nicotine is dangerous?

The question of a lethal dose of nicotine has not yet been definitively answered by research. It is generally assumed that 30 to 60 mg of nicotine can be fatal. A cigarette contains on average about two milligrams of nicotine. To ingest a lethal dose, more than 200 cigarettes would have to be consumed. For e-cigarettes, this means that 8 ml of 6 mg/ml e-liquid would have to be consumed. 

Whether the dose is fatal or not also depends on body weight and the source of the nicotine. Therefore, special care should be taken with children or pets to prevent swallowing nicotine-containing products. 

Nicotine poisoning from smoking alone is unusual because the body can process nicotine quickly. After just two hours, the nicotine level in the blood is halved. To reach a lethal dose, more than 200 cigarettes would have to be consumed at once.

What is the difference between acute and chronic nicotine poisoning?

 Acute nicotine poisoning occurs when a nicotine-containing product is swallowed. This results in a large amount of nicotine being absorbed at once.

Chronic nicotine poisoning, by contrast, develops over many years and initially goes unnoticed. Chronic intoxication is often developed by heavy and long-term smokers. Symptoms of chronic nicotine poisoning include damage to the vascular and nervous systems as well as to organs. The only way to avoid chronic nicotine poisoning is to quit smoking.

What are the symptoms of acute nicotine poisoning?

Nicotine poisoning occurs in two phases. The first phase is characterized by a feeling of discomfort and nausea. Additionally, blood pressure may rise and a racing heart may be felt. Symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on the amount ingested. Other symptoms include confusion, panic attacks, increased salivation, and shortness of breath. 

In the second phase, the body breaks down the nicotine and you begin to calm down. Blood pressure and heart rate decrease again. In some cases, depression occurs as a symptom; affected individuals also feel exhausted and breathing becomes shallow. Additionally, weakness sets in and diarrhea is a common consequence.

What is a nicotine shock?

A nicotine shock or nicotine flash can occur when the brain is flooded with nicotine effects. This happens more often with e-cigarettes because they have a higher nicotine strength. Symptoms include nausea, sweating, trembling, fatigue, vomiting, and intestinal cramps. The likelihood of a nicotine shock is higher than that of nicotine poisoning.

What to do in case of an overdose?

 Even with a mild overdose, the body sends signals. If symptoms such as headache or nausea occur, you should definitely take a break and avoid nicotine.

How dangerous is swallowing snus? 

Since no combustion process takes place with snus, it is considered less dangerous than cigarettes. Accidental swallowing of snus does not pose a particularly high risk because the amounts of harmful ingredients are lower than in cigarettes. To cause nicotine poisoning, several pouches would have to be swallowed in a short time.

Even though snus does not pose a great danger, it should still not be swallowed, as it can cause stomach upset. Snus is available with varying nicotine levels: Siberia Red -80 Degrees WDP for example, has a high content of 45 mg/g. Oden's Cold Extreme WDP has a nicotine content of 22 mg/g. Edel CBD Mint contains no nicotine at all and is a very good alternative to smoking.