How Long Does Tobacco Stay in Your Blood?

Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, can be detected in your blood for hours to days after your last exposure. The exact amount of time depends on several factors, including how much you smoke, how often you smoke, and how your body metabolizes nicotine.

Nicotine Levels in Blood

Time Since Last Cigarette	Nicotine Level in Blood (ng/mL)
30 minutes	10-40
1 hour	5-20
2 hours	2-10
4 hours	1-5
8 hours	0.5-2.5
12 hours	0.25-1.25

It is important to note that these are just average levels, and the actual amount of nicotine in your blood may vary.

Factors that Affect Nicotine Metabolism

Amount of smoking: The more you smoke, the higher your blood nicotine levels will be.

Frequency of smoking: Smoking more frequently will keep your blood nicotine levels elevated for longer periods of time.

Body weight: Thinner people tend to have lower blood nicotine levels than heavier people.

Age: Nicotine is metabolized more quickly in younger people than older people.

Liver function: The liver is responsible for metabolizing nicotine, so people with liver problems may have higher blood nicotine levels.

Kidney function: The kidneys help to eliminate nicotine from the body, so people with kidney problems may have higher blood nicotine levels.

How to Clear Nicotine from Your Blood

There is no way to instantly clear nicotine from your blood, but there are a few things you can do to help your body metabolize it more quickly:

Drink plenty of water: Water helps to flush nicotine out of your body.

Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet helps to support your liver and kidneys, which are responsible for metabolizing nicotine.

Exercise: Exercise helps to increase your metabolism, which can help to clear nicotine from your blood.

Get enough sleep: Sleep helps your body to repair itself, which can help to clear nicotine from your blood.

FAQs About Nicotine in Blood

How long does nicotine stay in your urine? Nicotine can be detected in your urine for up to 3 days after your last exposure.

How long does nicotine stay in your saliva? Nicotine can be detected in your saliva for up to 4 days after your last exposure.

How long does nicotine stay in your hair? Nicotine can be detected in your hair for up to 90 days after your last exposure.

How Long Does Tobacco Stay in Your Blood?