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Indian Journal of Preventive Medicine

Volume  12, Issue 1, January - June 2024, Pages 13-23
 

Review Article

Nicotine: Decoding Myths and Facts

Chandrakant S. Pandav1 , Chhavi Gupta2

Former Professor and Head, Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, 2 Infections Diseases Expert, Sanative Healthcare, East Delhi 110092, India

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijpm.2321.5917.12124.2

Abstract

Nicotine despite being the addictive component in cigarettes, is not the most toxic. The increased morbidity and mortality due to cigarette smoking can be blamed on various additives which are carcinogenic and toxic in nature. To achieve zero rates of cigarette smoking is a theoretical and idealistic target, but practically, the most feasible option is to adhere to harm minimization. This concept recognizes that not all Nicotine containing products are equally harmful and the ones which are safer can be promoted to increase their utilization, eventually reducing the rates of cigarette smoking as well as its associated health hazards. The Nicotine delivering product, along with being safe should also be satisfying and acceptable to cigarette smokers, so as to encourage them to switch to the better option. A tangible impact on public health will be created only if this change is followed by a major part of the population. An essential point to remember is that harm minimization does not substitute for tobacco prevention and cessation, rather it is a complementary plan for smokers who are unwilling or unable to quit. Nicotine replacement therapy, (remodeled or novel) Nicotine and tobacco products, psychological interventions and alternative therapies can be implemented individually or in combination for smoking cessation, depending on patient preference and comfort. This paper contains a detailed view on application, precautions and efficacy of various Nicotine delivery products.


Keywords : Nicotine; Nicotine replacement therapy; Tobacco harm reduction; Harm minimization; Novel Nicotine and tobacco products.
Corresponding Author : Chhavi Gupta