Cytisine guide
How to take cytisine to help stop smoking, with the reducing-dose schedule and quit date alignment.
Cytisine guide
How to take cytisine to help stop smoking, with the reducing-dose schedule and quit date alignment.
- READ TIME
- 2 min read
- PATHWAY
- Smoking cessation
This guide does not replace the package leaflet or your doctor's assessment.
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Electronic prescription
Sent to the pharmacy you choose; each pharmacy decides whether it can dispense it.
On this page
How to use
- Follow the reducing-dose schedule on the pack
Cytisine is taken 6 times daily initially, then reduced over the 25-day course. Stop smoking no later than day 5 of treatment. Swallow tablets whole with water.
- Stop smoking no later than day 5
The schedule requires you to stop smoking completely no later than day 5. Continue taking the tablets at the reducing doses after you stop.
Dose schedule
- Days 1-3: 1 tablet 6 times daily
Take every 2 hours during waking hours. Reduce smoking gradually with the goal to stop completely by day 5.
- Days 4-25: follow each reduction stage
Days 4-12: 1 tablet every 2.5 hours, up to 5 daily; days 13-16: 1 every 3 hours, up to 4 daily; days 17-20: 1 every 5 hours, up to 3 daily; days 21-25: 1-2 tablets daily.
Side effects
Gastrointestinal and taste effects
Dry mouth, nausea, changes in taste, and abdominal discomfort are the most common. Usually mild and temporary.
Headache, dizziness, and sleep changes
Headache, dizziness, insomnia, and unusual dreams can occur. These are generally mild.
When to contact your doctor
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or breathing difficulty
- Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or severe headache
Storage
Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.
What to expect
Cytisine helps reduce nicotine cravings. Stop smoking no later than day 5 and follow the full reducing schedule. Behavioural support is also recommended.
Sources
Questions while you're on treatment?
Message your doctor in your private chat about side effects, doses or anything that worries you. Replies in under 2 hours on average.
- Follow up with your doctor in the private chat
- Download your e-prescription
- Renewals reviewed by your doctor
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