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NDRI (smoking cessation aid)

Bupropion hydrochloride

Brand names: Zyban

Bupropion hydrochloride is a prolonged-release oral agent licensed in the UK as an aid to smoking cessation in combination with motivational support. It is started while the patient is still smoking, with a target stop date set within the first two weeks of treatment.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a selective inhibitor of neuronal noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake, which is thought to reduce nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms. It has no significant affinity for monoamine receptors.

Prescribing in practice

  • Contraindicated where there is any predisposition to seizures, as bupropion lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner; avoid in current or past seizure disorder, eating disorders, and concomitant abrupt alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal.
  • Avoid concurrent monoamine oxidase inhibitors and allow an adequate washout interval, and review interacting drugs metabolised by CYP2D6.
  • Reduce the dose and increase caution in hepatic or renal impairment and in the elderly.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure (particularly with concomitant nicotine replacement) and remain alert for neuropsychiatric symptoms, agitation, or any seizure activity.

Counselling the patient

  • Keep smoking initially and stop on your agreed target date during the first fortnight of treatment.
  • Report any fit, severe mood change, or signs of an allergic reaction such as rash or swelling.
  • Avoid heavy alcohol use while taking this medicine.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE supports bupropion as one of the licensed pharmacological options for adult smoking cessation alongside behavioural support.

Reference: NICE NG209; MHRA Drug Safety Update; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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