NICOTINE PHARMACOKINETICS OF NICODERM(R) (NICOTINE TRANSDERMAL SYSTEM) IN WOMEN AND OBESE MEN COMPARED WITH NORMAL-SIZED MEN

This study examined the effect of gender and body weight on the pharmacokinetic properties of the Nicotine Transdermal System (NTS) (Nicoderm). This NTS was applied for 24 hours to 13 normal-sized men, 13 women, and 13 obese men, all of whom were smokers who had abstained from cigarettes for the previous 24 hours. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined during a single application of the system. The mean nicotine maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) values for women did not differ significantly from those for normal-sized men. Nicotine Cmax and AUC values, however, were significantly lower in obese compared with normal-sized men: nicotine AUC was strongly correlated to body weight and body mass index. Mean apparent nicotine elimination rate constant values were not significantly different between normal-sized and obese men, but the apparent elimination rate constant value was significantly higher in women. The possible clinical significance of the differences in nicotine AUC values with body weight is discussed.