Interactions between varenicline and Nicotrol ns (nicotine)
nicotine and varenicline (Moderate Drug-Drug)
MONITOR: Coadministration of varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy has been associated with increased adverse effects. In one study, a higher incidence of nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, dyspepsia, and fatigue was observed for the combination compared to transdermal nicotine replacement therapy alone. Eight of the 22 subjects (36%) treated with the combination prematurely discontinued treatment due to adverse events, compared to 1 of 17 (6%) of subjects treated with nicotine replacement therapy and placebo. Varenicline (1 mg orally twice a day) did not affect the pharmacokinetics of nicotine (21 mg/day transdermally) when coadministered for up to 12 days.
MANAGEMENT: The safety and efficacy of varenicline in combination with other smoking cessation therapies have not been established. Tolerability may be reduced if varenicline is coadministered with nicotine replacement therapy.
