Champix
Designed to manage nicotine addiction and indicated to support smoking cessation by mitigating cravings and relieving withdrawal discomfort during treatment.
- Category
- Addiction Recovery
- Active ingredient
- Varenicline
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 0.5 · 1mg
Champix details
- Condition
- Smoking Cessation
- Therapeutic class
- Smoking Cessation Aid
- Pharmacological class
- Nicotinic Receptor Partial Agonist
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to varenicline
- Precautions and warnings
- monitor for neuropsychiatric symptoms; caution with alcohol intake
- Minor side effects
- nausea; insomnia
- Moderate side effects
- vivid dreams; headache
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- Pfizer
- Onset Time
- 1–2 weeks
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Storage instructions
- Store below 30°C.
- Drug interactions
- nicotine replacement therapy
- Age restrictions
- 18 years and older.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Not recommended during pregnancy.
Serious side effects
suicidal ideation, requires immediate medical attention; depression, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Designed to manage nicotine addiction and indicated to support smoking cessation by mitigating cravings and relieving withdrawal discomfort during treatment.
Mechanism of action
Varenicline acts as a partial agonist at alpha-4-beta-2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It stimulates these receptors to relieve nicotine withdrawal cravings while simultaneously blocking nicotine from binding to them, which reduces the reinforcing effects of smoking.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Champix
Champix contains Varenicline, an active ingredient widely used for Smoking Cessation. Manufactured by Pfizer and supplied as a tablet in strengths of 0.5mg and 1mg, the therapy aims to reduce withdrawal symptoms and the gratification associated with tobacco use. Many individuals find the regimen helpful for managing physical cravings during the cessation process.
Champix availability in Asia
Champix is registered across 14 markets including Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand, with availability also in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. While the original brand is well recognised, generic Varenicline, often manufactured in India, provides a more affordable price point for expats and people residing far from a well-stocked pharmacy. As with any medication, this is best utilised under the guidance of a doctor to ensure appropriate care.