Questions and Answers
What is the brand name of Varenicline?
What is the generic name for Chantix?
Varenicline
What is the indication for Varenicline?
As an aid in the cessation of smoking
Starting dose of Varenicline is _____ mg in the morning for 3 days.
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What is the dosage for Varenicline after the first week?
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What medication class does Varenicline belong to?
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What is the mechanism of action of Varenicline?
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Using Varenicline with nicotine replacement therapy may increase the incidence of adverse effects.
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Name two common side effects of Varenicline.
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Which of the following is a contraindication for Varenicline?
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What should patients do before starting Varenicline?
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Patients should take Varenicline after _____ with a full glass of water.
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Study Notes
Varenicline Overview
- Brand name: Chantix
- Generic name: Varenicline
- Classification: Smoking Cessation Aid
Indications
- Designed to assist individuals in quitting smoking.
Dosing Guidelines
- Initial dosage: 0.5 mg in the morning for 3 days.
- Follow-up: Increase to 0.5 mg twice daily for 4 days.
- After the first week: 1 mg twice daily.
- For severe renal impairment: Start with 0.5 mg once daily, can titrate up to 0.5 mg twice daily if needed.
Available Strengths and Dosage Forms
- Tablet strengths: 0.5 mg and 1 mg.
- Starter pack includes 11 tablets of 0.5 mg and 42 tablets of 1 mg.
Pharmacology
- Acts as a partial agonist at nicotinic receptors in the brain.
- Binds selectively to α-4-β-2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
- Prevents nicotine from stimulating the central nervous mesolimbic dopamine system, which is linked to the rewarding effects of smoking.
Drug Interactions
- Caution with nicotine replacement therapy; may increase adverse effects like headache and nausea.
- No significant interactions with other drugs; categorized as risk level None are risk X/D.
Side Effects
- Common: Headache, nausea, insomnia, abnormal dreams.
- Additional effects: Flatulence, dysgeusia, upper respiratory tract issues, fatigue, constipation, dry mouth, dyspepsia, somnolence, increased appetite.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation.
- Severe renal impairment.
- Risk of serious neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., behavior changes, agitation, depressed mood).
- Use cautiously in patients with psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression).
- Not recommended for nursing mothers (pregnancy risk category C).
Patient Counseling Tips
- Start taking Chantix one week before quitting smoking.
- Take the medication after meals with a full glass of water.
- Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until the effects are known.
- Follow the prescribed taper to reduce adverse effects.
- Contact a physician if side effects become severe or persistent.
- Register for the Chantix GETQUIT support program as outlined in the starter pack.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Varenicline with these flashcards. Each card includes key terms like brand names, dosing instructions, and indications for use. Great for anyone studying smoking cessation aids.
