Nicotine typically leaves your bloodstream within 1 to 3 days after you stop using tobacco products. However, its primary metabolite, cotinine, can remain detectable in the body for a longer period, usually up to 10 days, and sometimes even several weeks depending on usage and individual metabolism
. Here is a detailed breakdown:
- Nicotine in blood: Usually clears within 1 to 3 days after last use
- Nicotine in urine: Nicotine and cotinine can be detected for about 3 to 4 days, though cotinine may persist longer, especially in regular smokers or those exposed to secondhand smoke
- Nicotine in saliva: Detectable for up to 4 days, with cotinine lasting up to 7 days
- Nicotine in hair: Can be detected for weeks or longer, but this is less commonly tested
Nicotine has a short half-life of about 2 hours, meaning half of it is metabolized every 2 hours, but cotinine has a longer half-life (16 to 40 hours), which is why it remains detectable longer
. The total time nicotine and its metabolites stay in your system depends on factors such as genetics, frequency and amount of nicotine use, and the type of product used (smoking, vaping, chewing)
. In summary, nicotine is usually cleared from your blood within 1 to 3 days, but cotinine can be detected for up to 10 days or longer in some cases. Urine tests can detect cotinine for several days to weeks depending on the level of exposure
