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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
10:44
Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System
Published on: May 24, 2017
Oral varenicline for smoking cessation.
Seena L Zierler-Brown1, Jeffrey A Kyle
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Gregory School of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL, USA. seena_zierler-brown@pba.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|December 28, 2006
Summary
Varenicline is an effective oral medication for smoking cessation. It targets nicotine receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, offering a new treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Nicotinic Receptor Modulation
Background:
- Nicotine dependence is a significant public health issue.
- Smoking cessation treatments aim to reduce cravings and withdrawal.
- Varenicline represents a novel pharmacological approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacology of varenicline.
- To examine the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of varenicline.
- To assess the safety profile of varenicline for smoking cessation.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE (2001-2006) for varenicline clinical trials.
- Inclusion of human trials published in English.
- Review of cited references for additional data.
Main Results:
- Varenicline selectively binds to alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors, reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal.
- It exhibits favorable pharmacokinetics: rapid absorption, 24-hour half-life, and once-daily dosing.
- No significant drug-drug interactions observed with common medications; safety with nicotine replacement therapy requires further study.
Conclusions:
- Varenicline is an effective oral pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.
- Its targeted mechanism of action addresses key aspects of nicotine dependence.
- Clinical data support its role as a valuable tool in smoking cessation programs.
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