Champix 0.5 mg (Tablet)

Indications

• Smoking cessation aid

Pharmacology

• Binds with high affinity at α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
• Prevents nicotine binding to receptors
• Stimulates receptor-mediated activity
• Highly selective and binds more potently to α4β2 receptors than other common nicotinic receptors

Dosage

• 1 mg twice daily recommended dose
• 12 weeks treatment duration initially
• Additional 12 weeks treatment for successful quitters
• Gradual approach option for quitting
• Temporary or permanent dose reduction if intolerable adverse effects

Administration

• Oral intake after eating
• With a full glass of water

Interaction

• May increase intoxicating effects of alcohol

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to varenicline
• Hypersensitivity to any excipients in the product

Side Effects

• Nasopharyngitis
• Bronchitis
• Sinusitis
• Dysgeusia
• Dyspnea
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Abnormal liver function test

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Category C use during pregnancy
• Unknown excretion in human breast milk
• Excretion in animal breast milk
• Factors to consider for continuing breastfeeding or therapy

Precautions & Warnings

• Discontinue if changes in behavior or thinking occur
• Concomitant use in patients attempting to quit smoking
• History of seizures or conditions lowering seizure threshold
• Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema
• Severe cutaneous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and erythema multiforme
• No special requirements for disposal

Therapeutic Class

• Drugs used in substance dependence

Related Brands

• Champix 1 mg (Tablet) - pfizer