-IBIS-1.7.0-
rx
herb
Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco)
Botanicals
definition
botanical name(s): Nicotiana tabacum
synonyms: tobacco
part(s) used: herb
qualities:
affinities:
actions:
dosage: external use as poultice
therapy:
toxicity: 3; see nicotinic toxidrome
» treatment of overdose: activated charcoal; respiratory and vascular support are necessary
» contraindicated during pregnancy due to mutagenic and teratogenic properties (Brinker, p. 110) as well as lower birth weight and size and higher risk of prematurity, miscarriage, and neurological impairment to the baby (Ferguson)
» contraindicated prior to medical lab tests due to the many changes and false positives induced by smoking (Ferguson)
» contraindicated prior to surgery due to the increased number of complications from higher carbon monoxide levels in the blood (Ferguson)
» contraindicated in regular and/or excessive toxin exposure due to adverse combined effects of tobacco with carbon monoxide, asbestos, particulate matter, heavy metals, and other xenobiotics (Ferguson)
» contraindicated in poor health due to lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, alcoholism, and lack of exercise (Ferguson)
» contraindicated in type A personality due to the increased risk of heart disease (Ferguson)
» contraindicated for members of families with heart disease due to increasing their risk of heart disease by a factor of three (Ferguson)
» cancer associated with tobacco use includes lung, mouth, pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal, bladder, and pancreatic cancers due to continuing exacerbation (Ferguson)
» tobacco smoking-related diseases include ulcers, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, blood clots in the legs, and glaucoma due to possible exacerbation of existing conditions (Ferguson)
» Intoxication results include: nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, and abdominal pain. Neurotoxic effects include vertigo, confusion, sensory disturbances, and marked weakness. Patient experiences miosis followed by mydriasis; the pulse decreases and then increases; hypertension develops, followed by hypotension. Irregular respirations have been noted, followed by a curare-like onset of apnea. Hyperthermia, shaking, quivering, twitching and convulsions may also be seen. Vasomotor collapse, accompanied by respiratory paralysis, precede death (AMA, p. 123; Brinker, p. 67).
» handling of fresh plant may cause contact dermatitis (Duke, pp. 330-331)
constituents: alkaloids: nicotine and others; volatile oils
drug interactions:
» decreases blood levels of acetaminophen and vitamin B12 (Ferguson)
» speeds the elimination of amobarbital, benzodiazepines, caffeine, heparin, pentazocine, tricyclic antidepressants, and vitamin C (Ferguson)
» phenylbutazoneestrogen and theophylline are metabolized more quickly (Ferguson)
» furosemide, phenothiazines, propoxypliene, and propanolol are less effective (Ferguson)
» blocks action of cimetidine (Ferguson)
» enhances the drug effects of glutethimide (Ferguson)
» increases risk of clots, strokes and heart attack in women over age 30 using oral contraceptives (Ferguson)
footnotes
Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.
Ferguson T. 1987. The Smoker's Book of Health. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Lampe, K.F., and McAnn, M.A. 1985. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants. Chicago: American Medical Association.