ABSTRACT
Nicotine is the primary and a highly toxic alkaloid in tobacco products. It binds stereo-selectively to nicotinic-cholinergic receptors on autonomic ganglia, the adrenal medulla, neuromuscular junctions and in the brain. Nicotine exerts two effects, a stimulant effect exerted at the locus coeruleus and a reward effect in the limbic system. Patch tests were performed with the adhesive and the matrix layer of the TTS, aqueous nicotine base 1%, 10% and 50%, and aqueous nicotine sulfate 5%. Five individuals had positive allergic patch test reactions to nicotine base: one to all 3 concentrations, 3 to 10% and 50%, and one only to 50% nicotine base. From Italy, 5 cases of allergic contact dermatitis from nicotine patches were reported. The best patch test material was nicotine base 10% water. Quite curiously, 3 of the 5 patients developed symptoms after the first application, indicating that they were already allergic to nicotine at that moment.
