Varenicline, Chantix

Name: Varenicline, Chantix

What is varenicline, Chantix, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Varenicline is an oral drug that is used to promote cessation of smoking. It competes with nicotine from cigarettes for binding to nicotine receptors in the brain. Although varenicline stimulates nicotine receptors like nicotine, it blocks the stronger stimulation by nicotine. Therefore, smokers do not experience the full effect of smoking while taking varenicline. The FDA approved varenicline in May 2006.

Is varenicline, Chantix available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

What is the dosage for varenicline, Chantix?

The recommended dose is 0.5 mg daily for 3 days followed by 0.5 mg twice daily for 4 days, then 1 mg twice daily for the remainder of the treatment period. Duration of therapy is 12 weeks. If treatment is successful, an additional 12 weeks is recommended to increase the chance of long-term abstinence. Those who do not respond or return to smoking after treatment should be encouraged to try again.

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