VARENICLINE

Chantix® (Pfizer, Inc) is a partial agonist of alpha-4, beta-2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor sub-types.

DOSING INFORMATION:
The recommended dose is 0.5 milligrams (mg) orally once daily for days 1 through 3, then 0.5 mg twice daily for days 4 through 7, then 1 mg twice daily. Treatment duration is 12 weeks, including the titration week. An additional 12-week treatment may increase the likelihood of long-term abstinence.

PHARMACOKINETICS:
Peak concentrations are reached within 3 to 4 hours after oral administration and following multiple doses, steady-state concentrations are reached within 4 days. It is minimally metabolized and about 95% is excreted unchanged in the urine. It has an elimination half-life of 24 hours.

CAUTIONS:
The most common adverse effects reported include nausea, headache, insomnia, and abnormal dreams.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS:
Varenicline is indicated as an aid to smoking cessation treatment.

The information above is for use only by healthcare professionals in conjunction with clinical data and their professional judgment.