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Published 2020-06-25
Last update 2025-11-12
What is Nicotine Poisoning?
Nicotine poisoning, or nicotine overdose, occurs when you absorb more nicotine than the body can safely handle. However, nicotine poisoning is incredibly rare and is different from having a bad reaction to nicotine. Learn the difference between the two, as well as the symptoms and causes of nicotine poisoning.
Key Takeaways
- Too much nicotine can overstimulate the nervous system.
- Nicotine poisoning is rare but can happen when products are accidentally ingested.
- Children are more vulnerable than adults to nicotine poisoning.
- Symptoms tend to occur in two stages.
- Mild cases normally last around 1-2 hours.
What is Nicotine? What is Nicotine Poisoning? Having a Bad Reaction to Nicotine Nicotine Poisoning (Toxicity) The Two Stages of Nicotine Poisoning Small Doses vs Large Doses of Nicotine How Long Does Nicotine Poisoning Last? How Much Nicotine is Too Much? Nicotine Poisoning in Children Final Thoughts
What is Nicotine?
Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical that is produced by the tobacco plant as an insecticide.
While traditionally found in cigarettes and chewing tobacco, nicotine is now present in a wide range of products, including:
- Nicotine pouches
- E-cigarettes and vapes
- Nicotine gum and patches
- Pure liquid nicotine
What is Nicotine Poisoning?
Nicotine poisoning, also known as nicotine toxicity, occurs when you absorb more nicotine than the body can safely process.
This leads to a rapid build-up of nicotine in the bloodstream, which can overstimulate the nervous system and cause a range of symptoms.
However, there is a difference between having a bad reaction to nicotine, and actual nicotine poisoning.
It is rare for nicotine poisoning to happen to adults, but children are more vulnerable (for more information, see the section Nicotine Poisoning in Children).
Having a Bad Reaction to Nicotine
A bad reaction is a temporary and non-toxic response to nicotine. It’s usually caused by:
- Individual sensitivity
- Using too much nicotine too quickly
- Swallowing saliva mixed with nicotine
- Dehydration or empty stomach
Common symptoms of a bad reaction to nicotine include:
- Mild nausea or dizziness
- Throat irritation
- Headache or rapid heartbeat
These symptoms typically pass within minutes and are not dangerous unless they persist or get worse.
Nicotine Poisoning (Toxicity)
Nicotine poisoning happens when the body absorbs too much nicotine, which overwhelms the nervous system.
Nicotine poisoning is caused by:
- Swallowing nicotine products (especially liquid or pouches)
- Accidental ingestion by children
Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include:
- Vomiting, confusion, and diarrhoea
- Shallow breathing, slowed heart rate
- Seizures, coma, or cardiac arrest (in severe cases)
The Two Stages of Nicotine Poisoning
The symptoms of nicotine poisoning tend to appear in two stages.
The first stage normally occurs within the first 15 minutes to 1 hour after ingesting nicotine. This is when the stimulatory effects of nicotine are felt.
The second stage typically takes place 30 minutes to 4 hours after ingestion. This stage brings on the depressive effects of nicotine.
|
First Stage Symptoms of Nicotine Poisoning |
Second Stage Symptoms of Nicotine Poisoning |
|
|
Small Doses vs Large Doses of Nicotine
Low doses of nicotine tend to have a stimulatory effect on the central nervous system.
In contrast, large doses have a depressing effect (meaning, they slow down the activity of the brain and central nervous system).
As more of the nicotine enters the body following a large dose, the effects move from stimulatory to depressing.
If you experience any symptoms beyond mild discomfort, especially vomiting, confusion, or breathing issues, stop using the nicotine product and seek medical help immediately (call 999 if you are in the UK).
Overview: The Difference Between a Bad Reaction and Nicotine Poisoning
|
Feature |
Bad Reaction |
Nicotine Poisoning |
|
Cause |
Sensitivity Consuming nicotine too quickly or on an empty stomach Swallowing saliva mixed with nicotine |
Excessive nicotine intake |
|
Severity |
Mild and temporary |
Potentially life-threatening |
|
Treatment |
Stop using product, hydrate Call 111 in the UK for medical advice |
Call 999 in the UK for emergency medical care |
|
Risk Level |
Low |
High |
How Long Does Nicotine Poisoning Last?
In mild cases, nicotine poisoning symptoms usually resolve within 1-2 hours.
In severe cases, symptoms can persist for up to 18-24 hours and may require medical attention.
How Much Nicotine is Too Much?
Many users want to know how much nicotine leads to a bad reaction and nicotine poisoning.
When it comes to having a bad reaction to nicotine, this is more dependent on your individual tolerance. People react to and experience nicotine differently—see the box “Why Nicotine Affects People Differently” for more information.
If you experience any of the symptoms associated with a bad reaction, you should stop consuming nicotine immediately and drink lots of water.
As for nicotine poisoning, you must consume a very large amount of nicotine for this to happen.
It is very rare for adults to consume enough nicotine to experience nicotine poisoning.
The table below indicates the lower limit of a lethal dose for a young child and an adult, according to different nicotine products.
|
Product |
Amount of Nicotine in Product |
Lower Limit Lethal Dose for a Young Child (10 kg) |
Lower Limit Lethal Dose for an Adult (70 kg) |
|
Cigarette |
10-15 mg |
Swallowing more than four 15-mg cigarettes |
Swallowing more than thirty 15-mg cigarettes |
|
Vape liquid |
~40 mg in a pod |
Swallowing liquid from two vape pods |
Swallowing liquid from more than eleven vape pods |
|
Pouches |
1.5-20 mg per pouch |
Swallowing more than seven 10-mg pouches |
Swallowing more than forty-five 10-mg pouches |
Nicotine Poisoning in Children
Because of their smaller size, children are more susceptible to nicotine poisoning than adults.
Children can become ill from eating just one cigarette. Eating more than this can lead to severe illness.
Children and Liquid Nicotine
The liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes is dangerous, particularly for children.
As little as 1 teaspoon of liquid nicotine could be fatal for a child weighing 11kg/1.7 stone, and even liquid nicotine touching the skin can be poisonous.
Liquid nicotine refills often have attractive scents and colourful packaging, which can make them inviting to children. Make sure to keep vape and e-cigarette refills far out of reach of children and pets.
See the table above for the lower limit of a lethal dose of nicotine for a young child.
Why Nicotine Affects People Differently
Among other factors, your individual tolerance to nicotine can affect how you experience nicotine—such as whether you experience a nicotine buzz.
This is because how your body processes nicotine depends on genetics and liver enzymes.
People who metabolise nicotine quickly may crave it more often. In contrast, slow metabolisers retain nicotine longer, which increases the risk of side effects.
Other factors that influence nicotine metabolism include age, sex, and medications.
Learn more about how long nicotine stays in your body and the factors affecting its duration.
Final Thoughts
Nicotine poisoning can occur when you ingest too much nicotine. However, it is rare to happen among adults, though it can happen when small children accidentally ingest products.
Having a bad reaction to nicotine is more common. You may experience symptoms like nausea or dizziness in this case, especially if you use too many products at once or use a product that is too strong for you.
FAQs Nicotine Poisoning
Can you die from nicotine poisoning?
Yes, it is possible that you can die from nicotine poisoning. However, this is not common, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Why do nicotine pouches make me feel sick?
Nicotine pouches can make you feel sick if you are sensitive to nicotine or use a high-strength pouch.
This may lead to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or headaches.
Can you overdose on nicotine?
Yes, you can overdose on nicotine if you use too many nicotine products at once or ingest liquid nicotine.
Nicotine overdose is the same as nicotine poisoning.
What are the symptoms of nicotine poisoning?
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, and, in severe cases, respiratory issues and coma.
References
- The Actions of Nicotine on Central Nervous System Functions. H. Silvette et al.
- Nicotine Poisoning. Cleveland Clinic.
- Caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, and psilocybin: Pharmacology, toxicology, and potential therapeutic uses of four naturally occurring psychoactive substances. S. Christen et al.
- How much nicotine kills a human? Tracing back the generally accepted lethal dose to dubious self-experiments in the nineteenth century. Bernd Mayer.
