Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

GENERIC NAME: varenicline

BRAND NAME: Chantix

Exposure to Secondhand Smoke May Lower Children's IQ Medical Author Melissa Stoppler, M.D. Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR A study shows that children who are exposed to tobacco smoke in the home may have lower IQs than their unexposed peers. Despite mounting evidence about the perils of secondhand tobacco smoke exposure in children, 40% of children in the United States are routinely exposed to secondhand smoke, termed environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), in their own homes. ETS has already been definitively linked to a number of medical problems in children, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), colic, middle ear disease, worsening of asthma symptoms, and other respiratory problems. Research has also begun to suggest that ETS may be neurotoxic, or damaging to the nervous system, with potential effects on the development of intellect and reasoning skills in children. Read more about the dangers of secondhand smoke » Top Searched Chantix Terms: side effects, free, warning, suicide, vasoconstriction, depression, dangers, quit smoking, pill, smoking cessation

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Varenicline is an oral drug that is used to promote cessation of smoking. It binds to nicotine receptors in the brain and competes with nicotine from cigarettes for binding to nicotine receptors. 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.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 0.5 and 0.1 mg

STORAGE: Varenicline should be stored at room temperature, 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Varenicline is an aid for smoking cessation treatment.

DOSING: 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.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Based on current experience and characteristics of varenicline, varenicline does not interact with other drugs.

PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether varenicline is excreted in breast milk. Nursing mothers should consider discontinuing varenicline or breast-feeding because of the potential for adverse effects in the infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common adverse effects of varenicline are nausea, sleep disturbance, constipation, flatulence, and vomiting. Headaches, abnormal dreams and taste disturbance also are frequent side effects of varenicline. Varenicline is not addictive and is not a controlled substance; however, some patients may experience irritability and sleep disturbance if varenicline is abruptly discontinued. Patients may experience psychiatric symptoms such as behavioral changes, agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal behavior during varenicline treatment.

Additional drug information: Chantix (varenicline) FDA approved labeling at RxList.
http://www.rxlist.com/chantix-drug/article.htm

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