Nicotine

ATC Code N07BA01

Nicotine

Definition

A plant alkaloid, found in the tobacco plant, and addictive central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that causes either ganglionic stimulation in low doses or ganglionic blockage in high doses. Nicotine acts as an agonist at the nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the autonomic ganglia, at neuromuscular junctions, and in the adrenal medulla and the brain. Nicotine's CNS-stimulating activities may be mediated through the release of several neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, beta-endorphin, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and ACTH. As a result, peripheral vasoconstriction, tachycardia, and elevated blood pressure may be observed with nicotine intake. This agent may also stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone, thereby inducing nausea and vomiting.

Also known as (-)-Nicotine, (S)-3-(1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)pyridine, 1-Methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)pyrrolidine, beta-Pyridyl-alpha-N-methylpyrrolidine, NIC, NICOTINE — per NCIT

Also identified as

Indications

Disease Relation Source
Substance withdrawal syndrome may prevent MEDRT · Public domain (U.S. Government work)
Nicotine dependence may treat MEDRT · Public domain (U.S. Government work)
Ulcerative colitis may treat MEDRT · Public domain (U.S. Government work)

Organ Effects

Organ Side effect / interaction Source
Alimentary part of gastrointestinal system may treat a disease of this organ DERIVED · CC BY 4.0
Intestine may treat a disease of this organ DERIVED · CC BY 4.0

2 entries above are marked DERIVED: Atlas Médico inferred them by combining two sourced claims, and no source asserts these links directly. Treat them as a navigation aid, not as a clinical statement.