Varenicline:  An α4β2 Nicotinic Receptor Partial Agonist for Smoking Cessation

2005 ◽  
Vol 48 (10) ◽  
pp. 3474-3477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jotham W. Coe ◽  
Paige R. Brooks ◽  
Michael G. Vetelino ◽  
Michael C. Wirtz ◽  
Eric P. Arnold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Nicotinic Receptor ◽  
Partial Agonist

Varenicline: A Novel Nicotinic Receptor Partial Agonist for Smoking Cessation

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L Kerr ◽  
Erin M Timpe ◽  
Julie P Karpinski
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Nicotinic Receptor ◽  
Partial Agonist

Varenicline: Implications for the Field

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (S1) ◽  
pp. 8-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Bobak
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Nicotinic Receptor ◽  
Partial Agonist ◽  
Nicotine Patch ◽  
Clinical Excellence ◽  
Common Side Effect ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
New Class ◽  
Good Safety Profile ◽  
Final Guidance

AbstractVarenicline tartrate (Champix) is the first in a new class of therapy for smoking cessation and has been available on NHS prescription since December 2006. It has received approval from The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Scottish Medicines Consortium and NICE final guidance was issued in July 2007. Varenicline is a partial agonist of the nicotinic receptor (·4, 2 subtype) and also prevents nicotine from binding to it. Studies comparing safety and efficacy with bupropion (Zyban) have been favourable and efficacy with varenicline has been shown to be greater than that with bupropion. A study comparing the nicotine patch is due for publication this year. Varenicline has a good safety profile with nausea being the most common side effect in about a third of those who take it. Despite the treatment's advantages there have been numerous issues which have affected its use. These include funding and administrative issues and this paper looks at ways of overcoming those barriers to prescribing what is a valuable addition to the range of treatments on offer to smokes who want to stop.

Cytisine as an alternative smoking cessation product for Pacific smokers in New Zealand

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-95
Author(s):  
Vili Nosa ◽  
Kotalo Leau ◽  
Natalie Walker
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Partial Agonist ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Liquid Form ◽  
Pacific People ◽  
The Pacific

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pacific people in New Zealand have one of the highest rates of smoking.  Cytisine is a plant-based alkaloid that has proven efficacy, effectiveness and safety compared to a placebo and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation.  Cytisine, like varenicline, is a partial agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and blocks the rewarding effects of nicotine. Cytisine is naturally found in some plants in the Pacific region, and so may appeal to Pacific smokers wanting to quit. This paper investigates the acceptability of cytisine as a smoking cessation product for Pacific smokers in New Zealand, using a qualitative study design. Methods: In December 2015, advertisements and snowball sampling was used to recruit four Pacific smokers and three Pacific smoking cessation specialists in Auckland, New Zealand. Semi-structured interviews where undertaken, whereby participants were asked about motivations to quit and their views on smoking cessation products, including cytisine (which is currently unavailable in New Zealand). Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, with thematic analysis conducted manually. Findings: Pacific smokers reported wanting to quit for loved ones and family, but did not find currently available smoking cessation products effective. Almost all participants had not previously heard of cytisine, but many of the Pacific smokers were keen to try it. Participants identified with cytisine on a cultural basis (given its natural status), but noted that their use would be determined by the efficacy of the medicine, its cost, side-effects, and accessibility. They were particularly interested in cytisine being made available in liquid form, which could be added to a “smoothie” or drunk as a “traditional tea”.  Participants thought cytisine should be promoted in a culturally-appropriate way, with packaging and advertising designed to appeal to Pacific smokers. Conclusions: Cytisine is more acceptable to Pacific smokers than other smoking cessation products, because of their cultural practices of traditional medicine and the natural product status of cytisine.

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