Nicotine content varies by delivery method, with cigars having the highest levels. E-cigarettes and patches have lower levels, while nicotine gum and lozenges can be used to gradually reduce intake. Cigarette nicotine content varies by brand and type.
While different delivery methods contain varying amounts of nicotine, the amount of nicotine an individual receives depends on the number of products used. Cigars and cigar products generally have the highest nicotine content. Nicotine inhaler cartridges, commonly called e-cigarettes, and nicotine patches have the next nicotine content per item.
Studies indicate that the nicotine content in cigars ranges from 5 to 20 grams per cigar. Cigarillos, which are thin little cigars, typically contain 3 grams per piece. Cigarette-sized cigars generally have 1 gram of nicotine per cigarette. These levels substantially exceed other methods of nicotine delivery.
The full variety of e-cigarette cartridges generally contain up to 24 milligrams of nicotine. Light cartridges contain up to 16 milligrams and light cartridges contain up to 8 milligrams of nicotine each. The manufacturers suggest that each cartridge takes the place of six cigarettes. If using the cartridges as directed, an individual will typically receive 4 milligrams of nicotine at a time from a full flavored cartridge.
Many people quit smoking using nicotine-laden transdermal patches. The manufacturers suggest that heavy smokers start by using one 21-milligram patch per day. The patch is designed to deliver this dosage over a 24-hour period, which is approximately 0.875 milligrams per hour. Instructions accompanying patch products usually advise against smoking while wearing the patch. This combination doubles the level of nicotine entering the body at one time and can increase the risk of experiencing nicotine side effects.
When used as directed, nicotine inhalers and patches in smaller strengths allow an individual to reduce the amount of nicotine received. The same goes for nicotine lozenges and gum. The nicotine content of each piece of gum or lozenge is between 2 and 4 milligrams. Individuals should have no more than five pieces of gum or lozenges in any six-hour period, or use more than 20 pieces per day. At 4 milligrams of nicotine each, the total daily intake would be 80 milligrams of nicotine, which would exceed the daily intake from nicotine patches.
The nicotine content of cigarettes varies by brand. Nicotine levels also vary depending on whether the cigarette is full-flavored, light, or ultra-light. Unfiltered cigarettes typically have the highest nicotine content — up to 2 milligrams each, and even ultralight cigarettes contain up to 1.25 milligrams of nicotine. Smoking a pack of flavored cigarettes in one day can result in an intake of up to 80 milligrams of nicotine.
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