An Unusual Case of Nicotine Poisoning

Abstract

Acute nicotine [from Nicotiana tabacum] poisoning by enema is an uncommon event. A review of the last 70 yr of the English and Spanish medical literature has failed to reveal a case of nicotine poisoning by enema in an adult. The use of tobacco enemas in children to treat intestinal parasites has been reported as a cause of poisoning and death. An adult was recently treated for acute nicotine poisoning from a tobacco enema. This unusual case allowed observation of some of the complex pharmacologic responses of the body to nicotine. [The patient had hypotension and bradycardia; the effects of atropine sulfate treatment are presented.].