Varenicline Tartrate
Generic Details
Generic Name
Varenicline Tartrate
Other Names
- Chantix
Drug Class
- Smoking cessation aid
Chemical Formula
C13H13N3.C4H6O6
Molecular Weight
361.32 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Partial agonist at α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Indications
- Smoking cessation
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- Start with 0.5 mg once daily for 3 days, then 0.5 mg twice daily for 4 days, then 1 mg twice daily for 12 weeks.
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Dose adjustment may be necessary in elderly patients
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Abnormal dreams
- Headache
- Dizziness
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to varenicline
- Severe renal impairment
Pregnancy Category
- Category C
Lactation Safety
- Not recommended
Drug Interactions
- Cimetidine
- Antipsychotics
- Theophylline
Overdose Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Dizziness
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, symptomatic and supportive treatment
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration
- Distribution: Protein binding is approximately 92%
- Metabolism: Primarily hepatic via CYP2A6
- Excretion: Mainly via urine (92%) as unchanged drug
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with psychiatric disorders
- Monitor for changes in behavior or mood
Warnings
- Neuropsychiatric events reported