Medical Information Only: This medication is not sold on this site. The information provided is for reference purposes only. Please consult your local physician or pharmacist for treatment.

Nicotine Polacrilex: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Nicotine Polacrilex - General Information

Nicotine Polacrilex is highly toxic alkaloid. It is the prototypical agonist at nicotinic cholinergic receptors where it dramatically stimulates neurons and ultimately blocks synaptic transmission. Nicotine Polacrilex is also important medically because of its presence in tobacco smoke. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Nicotine Polacrilex

Nicotine Polacrilex, the primary alkaloid in tobacco products binds stereo-selectively to nicotinic-cholinergic receptors on autonomic ganglia, the adrenal medulla, neuromuscular junctions and in the brain. Nicotine Polacrilex exerts two effects, a stimulant effect exerted at the locus ceruleus and a reward effect in the limbic system. Itranvenous administration of nicotine causes release of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonine, vasopressin, beta-endorphin and ACTH. Nicotine Polacrilex is a highly addictive substance. Nicotine Polacrilex also induces peripheral vasoconstriction, tachycardia and elevated blood pressure. Nicotine Polacrilex inhalers and patches are used to treat smoking withdrawl syndrome. Nicotine Polacrilex is classified as a stimulant of autonomic ganglia.

 

Nicotine Polacrilex for patients

A patient information sheet is included in the package of NICOTROL Inhaler cartridges dispensed to the patient. Patients should be encouraged to read the information sheet carefully and to ask their physician and pharmacist about the proper use of the product.

Patients must be advised to keep both used and unused cartridges out of the reach of children and pets.

 

Nicotine Polacrilex Interactions

Physiological changes resulting from smoking cessation, with or without nicotine replacement, may alter the pharmacokinetics of certain concomitant medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants and theophylline. Doses of these and perhaps other medications may need to be adjusted in patients who successfully quit smoking.

 

Nicotine Polacrilex Contraindications

Use of NICOTROL Inhaler therapy is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to nicotine or to menthol.

 

Additional information about Nicotine Polacrilex

Nicotine Polacrilex Indication

For the relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms and as an aid to smoking cessation.

Mechanism Of Action
Nicotine Polacrilex binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Stimulation of nicotinic receptors leads to a variety of cholinergic and adrenergic effects; tachycardia or bradycardia mediated by either stimulation or interference with sympathetic or parasympathetic pathways, stimulation of receptors in the carotic and aortic bodies, release of epinephrine from the adrenal medulla, and stimulation of the chemoreceptor-trigger zone.
Generic Name
Nicotine
Synonyms
L-Nicotine; Nicotine Alkaloid
Drug Category
Anti-craving Agents; Central Nervous System Agents; Autonomic drugs; Nicotinic Agonists
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Nicotine
Black Leaf; Black Leaf 40; Campbell's Nico-Soap; Commit; Destruxol Orchid Spray; Emo-Nik; Flux Maag; Fumetobac; Habitrol; Mach-Nic; Niagara P.A. Dust; Nic-Sal; Nico-Dust; Nico-Fume; Nicocide; Nicoderm; Nicoderm Cq; Nicorette; Nicorette Plus; Nicotin; Nicotina; Nicotine Polacrilex; Nicotrol; Nicotrol Inhaler; Nicotrol Ns; Nikotin; Nikotyna; Ortho N-4 Dust; Ortho N-5 Dust; Prostep; Tendust;
Absorption
Absorption of nicotine through the buccal mucosa is relatively slow and the high and rapid rise followed by the decline in nicotine arterial plasma concentrations seen with cigarette smoking are not achieved with the inhaler. About 10% of absorbed nicotine is excreted unchanged in urine.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Symptoms of overdose include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, diaphoresis, flushing, dizziness, disturbed hearing and vision, confusion, weakness, palpitations, altered respiration and hypotension. LD50= 24 mg/kg (orally in mice).
Protein Binding
Less than 5%
Biotransformation
Primarily hepatic, cotinine is the primary metabolite.
Half Life
Cotinine has a half life of 15-20 hours, while nicotine has a half life of 1-3 hours
Dosage Forms of Nicotine Polacrilex
Tablet, extended release Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine
Chemical Formula
C10H14N2
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals