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Partial nicotinic receptor agonist (smoking cessation)

Cytisinicline

Brand names: Tabex, Cytisine (specials)

Cytisinicline (cytisine) is an orally administered plant-derived aid to smoking cessation, taken as a short reducing course alongside behavioural support. A target stop date is set within the first few days of the regimen.

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 partial agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, partially stimulating them to ease withdrawal while reducing the reward from smoking. This dual action lessens craving and the satisfaction of any cigarette smoked.

Prescribing in practice

  • Use with caution in significant cardiovascular disease, as nicotinic receptor agonists can affect cardiovascular parameters; it is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Follow the staged dose-reduction schedule over the course and provide concurrent behavioural support.
  • Common adverse effects are gastrointestinal upset and altered sleep or appetite.

Monitoring

Monitor smoking status, tolerability, and any cardiovascular or neuropsychiatric symptoms during the course.

Counselling the patient

  • Follow the day-by-day schedule closely and stop smoking by your agreed early target date.
  • Take with care to reduce nausea and report troublesome stomach upset.
  • Combine the tablets with support or counselling for the best chance of quitting.

Evidence & guidelines

Cytisine is supported in UK smoking-cessation guidance as a licensed oral option that improves quit rates when combined with behavioural support.

Reference: NICE NG209; UKHSA smoking cessation guidance; SmPC; 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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