{blacktriangledown}Varenicline for smoking cessation

doi:10.1136/dtb.2008.04.0010

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2008;46:33-36; doi:10.1136/dtb.2008.04.0010

${blacktriangledown}$ Varenicline for smoking cessation

Relevant BNF section: BNF 4.10

${blacktriangledown}$ Varenicline (pronounced va-re-nik-leen) (Champix – Pfizer),a nicotinic receptor partial agonist, is the first medicineof this type licensed for smoking cessation in adults. Launchedin the UK in December 2006, the drug accounted for 14% of allprescription items and 22% of total expenditure, for smokingcessation products dispensed in the community in 2007*.¹^–⁴Marketing materials claim that it has a "unique dual action",a "significantly higher quit rate" than bupropion, and a "favourablesafety and tolerability profile". Here we discuss the evidencefor varenicline and consider its role in smoking cessation.