Publication: Varenicline: For smoking cessation
Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Varenicline, a partial agonist of 4 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), is the most recently approved drug for
smoking cessation. Despite the availability of effective treatments for smoking cessation, such as nicotine replacement
therapy and Bupropion sustained-release, abstinence rates remain less than optimal. As a nAChR partial agonist,
Varenicline attenuates the craving and withdrawal symptoms that occur with abstinence from nicotine and also reduces
the rewarding effects of nicotine obtained from smoking in patients who lapse. Clinical trials have demonstrated superior
efficacy of this drug over Bupropion-SR for achieving abstinence from smoking, and Varenicline has also been shown
to significantly delay smoking relapse. As the latest agent approved for smoking cessation, the mechanism of action,
efficacy, and safety of Varenicline has been reviewed in this paper.
Key words: 4 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, Varenicline, smoking cessation, partial agonist.
Description
Rao J 1, Shankar PK 2
1Department of Pharmacology, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal, India, 2Associate Professor, American University of Antigua, College of Medicine, Antigua