Cytisinicline at a glance
Medicine class
Partial agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Usual use
Smoking cessation and reduction of nicotine cravings
Nicotine content
Does not contain nicotine
Administration
Oral tablets taken with water
What is Cytisinicline used for?
Licensed uses include:
Helping smokers who intend to stop achieve lasting cessation of nicotine-containing products
Reducing nicotine cravings during smoking cessation
How does Cytisinicline work?
Cytisinicline partially stimulates mainly alpha-4 beta-2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors while competing with nicotine. This reduces nicotine's rewarding effect and may ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Cytisinicline preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1.5 mg
How to take Cytisinicline
Use exactly as directed by the prescriber or product leaflet.
Swallow the tablets with water.
Do not smoke or use nicotine-containing products during treatment, as this may worsen nicotine-related adverse effects.
The effect of food on cytisinicline exposure is unknown.
Cytisinicline side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhoea or constipation
- Dry mouth or altered taste
- Headache, dizziness or difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbance, unusual dreams, anxiety, irritability or mood changes
- Increased appetite or weight gain
- Fatigue or muscle pain
- Faster heartbeat or increased blood pressure
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide or severe deterioration in mental health while stopping smoking require urgent help.
- Breathing problems, visual disturbance, convulsions or marked heart-rate or blood-pressure changes may indicate overdose and require urgent assessment.
Cytisinicline in pregnancy
Cytisinicline is contraindicated during pregnancy because human safety data are absent or very limited. Contact the prescriber if pregnant, planning pregnancy or pregnancy occurs during use. Effective contraception is required during use.
Cytisinicline while breastfeeding
Cytisinicline is contraindicated during breastfeeding. A GP, pharmacist, health visitor or stop-smoking service can discuss more suitable ways to stop smoking.
Cytisinicline interactions
Review all medicines and nicotine products before starting. Some important effects arise from stopping smoking rather than cytisinicline itself.
Anti-tuberculosis medicines
Cytisinicline should not be used with these medicines.
Nicotine-containing products, including tobacco
Concurrent use can intensify nicotine-related adverse effects.
Systemic hormonal contraceptives
It is unknown whether effectiveness is reduced, so an additional barrier method is required.
Common questions about Cytisinicline
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is cytisinicline the same as cytisine?
Yes. Cytisine is the previously used name for cytisinicline.
Does cytisinicline contain nicotine?
No. It acts on nicotine receptors but does not contain nicotine.
Can I continue smoking while taking cytisinicline?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.