Though 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. Cartridges for nicotine inhalers, commonly called electronic cigarettes, and nicotine patches have the next highest nicotine content per item.
Studies indicate that the nicotine content in cigars ranges from 5 to 20 grams per cigar. Cigarillos, which are small thin cigars, typically contain 3 grams per piece. Cigarette sized cigars generally have 1 gram of nicotine per cigarette. These levels sunstantially exceed other methods of nicotine delivery.
The full-flavored variety of electronic cigarette cartridges generally contain up to 24 milligrams of nicotine. Mild cartridges contain up to 16 milligrams, and light cartridges have up to 8 milligrams of nicotine each. Manufacturers suggest that each cartridge takes the place of six cigarettes. If using cartridges according to directions, an individual would typically receive 4 milligrams of nicotine at one time from a full-flavored cartridge.
Many people quit smoking by using nicotine laden transdermal patches. Manufacturers suggest that heavy smokers begin by using one 21 milligram patch per day. The patch is designed to deliver this dosage over a 24-hour period, which is about 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 may increase the risk of experiencing nicotine side effects.
When used according to directions, nicotine inhalers and patches with smaller dosages allow an individuals to decrease the amount of nicotine received. The same is true for nicotine lozenges and gum. The nicotine content of each piece of gum or lozenge is 2 to 4 milligrams. Individuals should not have more than five pieces of gum or lozenges over a period of six hours, or use more than 20 pieces per day. At 4 milligrams of nicotine each, a total day’s intake would be 80 milligrams of nicotine, which would exceed the daily intake from nicotine patches.
The nicotine content of cigarettes varies with brand. Nicotine levels also vary depending on whether the cigarette is full-flavored, light, or ultra-light. Cigarettes without filters typically have the highest nicotine content — up to 2 milligrams each, and even ultra-light cigarettes contain up to 1.25 milligrams of nicotine. Smoking a pack of full-flavored cigarettes in a day can result in an intake of up to 80 milligrams of nicotine.