Moxonidine versus placebo as an aid in smoking cessation

This study assessed the effects of moxonidine as an aid in smoking cessation in 166 heavily addicted smokers who were motivated to quit smoking completely. Recruitment was via advertisement. Patients were randomly allocated to receive double-blind placebo or moxonidine (0.1 mg once or twice daily) for 6 weeks. Brief counseling was provided. An encouragement letter was sent prior to the quit date. Success was defined as not smoking any cigarettes during weeks 3 - 6, an expired carbon monoxide level of < 10 ppm, and a plasma cotinine level of < 25 ng/ml. The study failed to demonstrate a statistically significant effect for moxonidine on either nicotine withdrawal symptoms or smoking cessation. Reported side effects were not different with moxonidine than with placebo, however. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.