Effect of the electronic cigarette on withdrawal symptoms (ECIG24)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparison of the effects of the electronic cigarette and nicotine inhalator on tobacco withdrawal symptoms over 24 hours of abstinence
IRAS ID
90421
Contact name
Maciej L Goniewicz
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary, University of London
Eudract number
2011-005565-20
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Research summary
Study rationale: Sensory/behavioural elements of smoking play a role in smoking behaviour and may have a potential to assist smoking cessation. Among current treatments for smokers, only the nicotine inhalator is attempting to address such factors. The inhalator??s efficacy does not exceed that of the other NRT products, but it mimics the relevant sensory input to only a limited extent, and its nicotine delivery is dependent on intensive puffing. Recently a new product, the Electronic Cigarette (E-C) has become available, which provides a more realistic behaviour and sensory replacement for smoking and can provide good nicotine levels with less effort. Primary objective: To compare E-C and nicotine inhalator in their effects on tobacco withdrawal symptoms over 24hr abstinence. Hypotheses: E-C will be more effective than the inhalator in reducing withdrawal symptoms and craving and elicit more favorable user ratings. It will also provide higher nicotine levels. Study design: In a cross-over study, participants will be randomized to the sequence of conditions and provide baseline measures and samples for salivary cotinine analysis. They will be asked to abstain from smoking their usual cigarettes and use the allocated product over 24 hours. They will return to the study centre the following day, and complete measures of craving and withdrawal, ratings of subjective and sensory effects of the products, product satisfaction, and adverse effects. They will also provide saliva samples for cotinine analysis. Abstinence from smoking will be verified with CO readings.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
12/LO/0229
Date of REC Opinion
22 Feb 2012
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion