Varenicline Medication Information

Discover comprehensive details about Varenicline, including its pronunciation, uses, dosage instructions, indications, and guidelines on how and when to take it or avoid it.

The updated prescription information covers potential side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage recommendations.

Additionally, explore the Varenicline brands available in India and internationally, along with pricing information. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Varenicline

Pronunciation : var-EN-i-kleen

Therapeutic Classification : Smoking Cessation Agent

Brand Names or Trade Names of Varenicline

India :

Champix (0.5mg)

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International :

Chantix.

Why is Varenicline Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist, prescribed for smoking cessation. It blocks the pleasant effects of nicotine (from smoking) on the brain.

When should Varenicline not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Varenicline?

Adult: PO- 0.5 mg once daily for 1st 3 days, followed by 0.5 mg twice daily for the next 4 days. Maintenance (week 2-12): 1 mg twice daily.
Initiate dose 1-2 week before target quit date. Usual treatment duration: 12 weeks.
May continue for another 12 weeks to reduce relapse in patients who have successfully quit after the initial treatment course.

How should Varenicline be taken?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Varenicline?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of kidney problems or dialysis, mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts, who are taking other medication, any allergy, elderly, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

♦ Patient may develop with elevated mood or changes in behavior and Suicidality; if it so consult with your doctor.

What are the side effects of Varenicline?

Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, indigestion, gastrointestinal motility/defecation conditions, constipation, acid reflux disease, salivary gland conditions and dry mouth.
Central Nervous System - Sleep disorder/disturbances, sleeplessness, abnormal dreams, negative emotional state, headache, nerve disorders, drowsiness and abnormal taste.
General - Fatigue/uneasiness/weakness.
Respiratory - Runny nose, difficulty in breathing and upper respiratory tract disorder.
Skin - Rash and itching.
Metabolic - Increased and decreased appetite.
♦ Heart- Chest pain, peripheral vascular disease (PVD).