Mohanasundaram UM, Chitkara R, Krishna G., Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2008;3(2):239-51., 2008 Feb 01
Investigators
Abstract
Smoking cessation is the only available intervention proven to halt progression
of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The authors discuss the current existing
treatment modalities and the role of a newly approved agent, varenicline, in promotion
of smoking cessation.
Varenicline is a novel agent that is a centrally
acting partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. It has both agonistic and
antagonistic properties that together are believed to account for reduction of craving
and withdrawal as well as blocking the rewarding effects of smoking. Its targeted
mechanism of action, better efficacy and tolerability makes varenicline a useful therapeutic
option for smoking cessation.
In this article, we discuss presently available
options for smoking cessation and review the literature on efficacy of varenicline.