-
Description
-
Reviews (0)
-
Related Products
-
Related Conditions
Fact Table
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C13H13N3 · C4H6O6 (varenicline tartrate); C13H13N3 (varenicline base) |
| License | FDA approved (NDA 021928; initial U.S. approval 2006) |
| Bioavailability | Systemic availability approximately 90% after oral administration; unaffected by food or time of dosing |
| Legal status | Prescription only (Rx-only); not a controlled substance |
| Chemical Name | 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,10-methano-6H-pyrazino[2,3-h][3]benzazepine, (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (1:1) |
| Elimination half-life | Approximately 24 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) | 0.5 mg and 1 mg oral film-coated tablets; Days 1–3: 0.5 mg once daily; Days 4–7: 0.5 mg twice daily; Day 8 onward: 1 mg twice daily for 12 weeks, with an additional 12 weeks recommended for successful quitters |
| Pregnancy | Available data have not suggested increased risk of major birth defects versus pregnant smokers, but studies cannot definitely establish or exclude risk; smoking during pregnancy carries maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks |
| Brands | Chantix; Champix; generic varenicline tablets available |
| Protein binding | Low; =20% plasma protein bound |
| PubChem CID | 5310966 (varenicline); 9906942 (varenicline tartrate) |
| MedlinePlus | a606024 |
| ChEBI | 84500 (varenicline); 84507 (varenicline tartrate) |
| ATC code | N07BA03; S01XA28 |
| DrugBank | DB01273; DBSALT000548 (varenicline tartrate) |
| KEGG | D08669 (varenicline); D06282 (varenicline tartrate) |
| Routes of administration | By mouth (oral film-coated tablets) |
Chantix (varenicline) is a medication used to help adults quit smoking. It works by partially stimulating nicotine receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It also blocks nicotine from binding to those same receptors, which can make smoking less satisfying. Chantix is available as film-coated oral tablets.
Directions
Begin taking Chantix one week before your planned quit date. The dose is gradually increased over the first week: take 0.5 mg once daily on days 1 through 3, then 0.5 mg twice daily on days 4 through 7. From day 8 onward (your quit date), take 1 mg twice daily. Continue treatment for a total of 12 weeks.
If you have successfully quit smoking at the end of 12 weeks, your doctor may recommend an additional 12 weeks of treatment at 1 mg twice daily to help prevent relapse. Take Chantix after eating with a full glass of water. If you cannot or do not want to quit abruptly, your doctor may recommend a gradual approach to quitting.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Chantix is varenicline tartrate. Inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. The film coating may contain hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol/PEG 400, and triacetin, with additional colorants depending on the tablet strength.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Chantix has been associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, including changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, agitation, suicidal thoughts, and suicide. Stop taking Chantix and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in mood or behavior.
Seizures have been reported in patients taking Chantix. Use with caution if you have a history of seizures.
Chantix may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Use caution until you know how this medication affects you. Sleepwalking has also been reported.
Chantix may increase the effects of alcohol. Use caution when drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
Serious allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, mouth, and throat, also known as angioedema, and serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported. Stop taking Chantix and seek medical attention immediately if these occur.
If you have cardiovascular disease, discuss the risks and benefits of Chantix with your doctor, as a slightly increased risk of certain cardiovascular events has been seen in clinical studies.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- You have a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions or serious skin reactions to varenicline or any of the ingredients in Chantix
Side Effects
Common side effects of Chantix include:
- Nausea
- Abnormal or vivid dreams
- Difficulty sleeping
- Constipation
- Gas
- Vomiting
Serious side effects are rare but may include changes in mood or behavior, depression, suicidal thoughts, seizures, new or worsening cardiovascular events, severe allergic reactions, and serious skin reactions.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chantix
What is Chantix?
Chantix is a prescription medicine containing varenicline. It is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist used as an aid to help adults stop smoking.
How does Chantix work?
Varenicline acts on nicotine receptors in the brain. It can reduce the rewarding effect of nicotine if a person smokes and may help lower cravings and withdrawal symptoms during a quit attempt.
How is Chantix usually taken?
Chantix is taken by mouth after eating and with a full glass of water. Treatment is commonly started 1 week before the planned quit date, or the person may start treatment first and choose a quit date between days 8 and 35.
What is the usual Chantix dosing schedule?
The typical adult schedule starts with 0.5 mg once daily on days 1 to 3, then 0.5 mg twice daily on days 4 to 7, then 1 mg twice daily from day 8 through the end of treatment. A standard course is 12 weeks, and another 12 weeks may be recommended for people who successfully stop smoking.
Can Chantix be used if someone is not ready to quit all at once?
Yes. A gradual quit approach may be used for people who are not ready or able to stop abruptly. This approach involves reducing smoking over the first 12 weeks, aiming to stop completely by the end of week 12, and continuing Chantix for another 12 weeks.
What are common side effects of Chantix?
Common side effects include nausea, vivid or unusual dreams, constipation, gas, vomiting, insomnia, headache, dry mouth, and fatigue. Nausea is the most common side effect and may improve with time or dose adjustment.
What serious side effects can Chantix cause?
Serious risks can include mood or behavior changes, depression, agitation, suicidal thoughts or actions, seizures, increased effects of alcohol, accidental injury, cardiovascular symptoms, sleepwalking, serious allergic swelling, and rare severe skin reactions. Sudden chest pain, stroke-like symptoms, seizure, severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, or major mood changes require urgent medical attention.
Who should not take Chantix?
Chantix should not be taken by anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction or serious skin reaction to varenicline. It is not recommended for children 16 years of age or younger because effectiveness was not demonstrated in that group.
What should be discussed before taking Chantix?
A healthcare professional should know about any history of depression or other mental health conditions, seizures, alcohol use, kidney disease, heart or blood vessel disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and use of other stop-smoking treatments. Kidney problems may require a lower dose, and some medicines may need adjustment after smoking is stopped.
Is Chantix the same as generic varenicline?
Chantix is the brand name for varenicline. Pfizer recalled Chantix lots in 2021 because of a nitrosamine impurity issue, and FDA later stated that newly manufactured varenicline for the U.S. market should meet the agency’s acceptable intake limit for that impurity. Generic varenicline products may be available depending on location and pharmacy supply.
