Are you planning a pregnancy, but are you afraid that smoking will negatively affect your baby’s health? And no matter how much you want, you can’t stop buying cigarettes? The substance cytisine, which is contained in drugs such as Cytisine, Tabex, and Tsipirkuten, can help you in this matter. This organic compound has already helped many people who want to cope with nicotine addiction. Today we will learn everything about the alkaloid cytisine: what kind of substance it is, in what forms it is produced, how it is used correctly. We’ll also find out what people themselves think about it, because there are a lot of responses from users.
Chemical properties
Cytisine is an m-cholinomimetic that is widely used to treat nicotine addiction. The alkaloid substance is found in the seeds of Cytisus ruthenicus and Thermopsis lanceolata plants from the legume family.
The chemical compound is a white or white-yellow crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water, chloroform and ethanol . Wikipedia states that the product has a molecular weight = 190.2 grams per mole. The substance melts at 152 degrees Celsius, boiling point = 218 degrees.
The medicine is classified as a substance with ganglion action , as it stimulates the respiratory center. As a respiratory analeptic, the drug is produced in the form of a 15% aqueous solution; to get rid of tobacco addiction, the drug is used in patches and tablets.
During treatment, the harm from Cytisine is minimal, while the product is highly effective.
Description
Many people are interested in the question: “Cytisine – what is this substance and what is it used for?” It is an alkaloid (organic compound) found in broom and thermopsis seeds. They belong to the legume family. In small doses, alkaloids have a therapeutic effect, so they are often used for medical purposes. Thus, the substance is present in such drugs as Morphine, Codeine, Atropine, Quinine. However, today we will talk about another product called Cytisine, which also contains an alkaloid. The use of this drug is currently limited due to the widespread use of other medications with similar effects. Currently, the substance cytisine is used in the form of tablets and patches in such products as Tabex and Tzipirkuten.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The medicine affects n-cholinergic receptors of the sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia located in the adrenal medulla and sinocarotid zone. As a result of interaction with n-cholinergic receptors of the carotid glomeruli, the substance initiates a reflex short-term stimulation of the respiratory center located in the medulla oblongata. This process is accompanied by an increase in epinephrine and an increase in blood pressure. This effect is used for hypotension .
Previously, the drug was widely used to eliminate the negative effects of poisoning with morphine , carbon monoxide and barbiturates , but is not currently used. The medicine was also used to assess the speed of blood movement along the bloodstream. The substance is used to restore normal respiratory function in case of respiratory failure.
Due to the ability of this alkaloid to compete with nicotine for n-cholinergic receptors, the medicine is used to reduce nicotine addiction. The drug distorts the sensation of smoking and reduces cravings for cigarettes. While taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms . In general, the effect and mechanism of action of this chemical compound is similar to nicotine , which makes it possible to quickly and painlessly quit tobacco, reducing withdrawal symptoms to a minimum.
Patch
Using a patch for nicotine addiction is quite difficult
It is very important to position it correctly on the body. Experts recommend using patches on those areas of the skin where there is no hair or mechanical stress.
The inner side of the forearm is best suited for this purpose.
Before gluing the patch on the forearm, it must be treated with alcohol or clean water. Only after this can you open the package, remove the protective layer and apply the medicine. Thanks to the presence of a special sticky surface, installing the patch is not difficult.
The second patch from the package should be installed similarly to the first on a symmetrical area of the body. In most cases, in order to observe a beneficial effect, it is enough to install only two patches.
The duration of positive effects from the use of such products is observed within several days. All this time, the patch must be glued to the skin. The course of treatment consists of three weeks of continuous use of the medication. Every three days the patch needs to be removed and then a new one applied. The interval between removing the old one and sticking the new patch should be about three hours. This time can be devoted to hygiene procedures.
Cytisine, having a nicotine-like effect, helps the smoker avoid many manifestations of withdrawal syndrome during the period of weaning from cigarettes
Contraindications
The medicine is contraindicated:
- if you are allergic to the components of the drug;
- patients with acute myocardial infarction , including a history of it;
- for unstable angina ;
- patients with cardiac arrhythmia ;
- if the patient has recently experienced disturbances in cerebral circulation;
- with severe atherosclerosis ;
- patients with bleeding from large vessels;
- with high blood pressure ;
- patients with pulmonary edema ;
- for bronchial asthma ;
- pregnant women;
- with ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum (exacerbation);
- while breastfeeding.
Treatment with the drug is carried out with extreme caution:
- for schizophrenia ;
- in patients with adrenal chromaffin tumors ;
- for ischemia and chronic heart failure ;
- in patients with gastroesophageal reflux ;
- for diseases of the cerebral vessels;
- in patients with hyperthyroidism ;
- for peptic ulcer of the stomach ;
- in diabetics ;
- for liver or kidney diseases;
- under the age of 18 and over 65 years.
Analogs
In case of intolerance to the medication, cytisine analogues are prescribed. All products are divided into 2 broad categories - drugs containing cytisine and drugs with a similar principle of action.
The first group should include the following medications:
- Cititon;
- Tabex;
- Cytisine.
Medicines with a similar principle of action include the following:
- Lobesil.
- Lobeline is made from a substance of the same name.
- Champix - leads to blocking of receptors that react with nicotine, as a result of which a person loses the pleasure of smoking.
- Gamibazin is a chewing gum containing anabasine hydrochloride.
- Zyban – helps maintain the joy hormone in the blood and alleviates withdrawal symptoms.
Previously, lobeline was actively used to eliminate symptoms of withdrawal syndrome. Its principle of action resembles the effect of Tabex. However, it is worth considering that lobeline has an extremely negative effect on the functioning of the heart. The cost of the substance is approximately the same. You can buy it only with a doctor's prescription.
Alkaloid-based products are actively used during resuscitation measures. They are effective in case of respiratory arrest. They are also used in cases of depression of the respiratory center of the brain.
Side effects
The medicine is usually well tolerated and causes minimal adverse reactions.
During treatment with the drug, the following may be observed:
- dryness of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity;
- constipation , distortion of taste, diarrhea , pain in the epigastric region, nausea;
- dizziness, headaches, sleep disturbances, drowsiness , sudden mood swings, irritability;
- tachycardia , chest pain, feeling of increased heartbeat, increased blood pressure;
- allergic reactions, eosinophilia , skin rashes, myalgia , shortness of breath;
- weight loss, sweating .
Cytisine, instructions for use (Method and dosage)
The tablets are taken orally, without chewing, with water.
Instructions for Cytisine tablets
For the first 3 days, the medicine is taken 1.5 mg every 2 hours. A total of 6 tablets per day. In the first 3 days of therapy, it is necessary to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked. If during this time there is no effect of treatment, it is recommended to interrupt the course and continue after 2-3 months.
For the next 8 days, take 1.5 mg of the drug (1 tablet) every 2.5 hours. During the day the patient takes 5 tablets. Over the next 3 days, the medicine is taken every 3 hours, resulting in 4 tablets per day. From the 17th to the 20th day of treatment, the interval between doses is increased to 5 hours. Makes 3 tablets per day. On days 21-25, drink from 1.5 to 3 grams of the drug per day.
You must stop smoking no later than 5 days after starting therapy.
Instructions for the patch
The patch is applied to the area without hair. Most often - on the inner surface of the forearm, having previously cleansed the skin with water or alcohol. The dosage is selected individually, in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. The duration of wearing the patch is from 2 to 3 days. The duration of therapy is from 1 to 3 weeks, during this period of time applications are repeated every 2-3 days, with each new patch being glued to a symmetrical area of skin on the opposite arm.
Special films containing medicine are glued to the gum or area behind the cheek 4-8 times a day, for 3-5 days. If a positive effect is observed, then on days 5, 6, 7 and 8 the film is applied 3 times a day. From days 9 to 12, you can use the medicine 2 times a day. From days 13 to 15, a one-time application of a film with Cytisine is indicated.
If necessary, or if the patient has a relapse after some time, the course of treatment can be repeated.
People's opinions
Many women and men who smoke do not even know about such a substance as cytisine: what kind of substance it is, what drugs contain it. However, people who have encountered it are aware that this white or yellowish powder helps cope with smoking addiction. Basically, medications such as Tabex or Tzipirkuten, which contain cytisine, have positive reviews. Former smokers note that these drugs really help get rid of cravings for cigarettes. Already after the second or third use of tablets or patches, a person forgets that he hasn’t taken it for a long time. And soon this hunt disappears from him. However, people note that a positive result will come only when a person really wants to quit this addiction and also follows all the recommendations in the instructions. And if a former smoker adheres to a certain treatment regimen, he will be able to quit smoking forever. The drugs “Tabex”, “Cytisin”, “Tzipirkuten” really help a person not to break down.
However, not all people are positive about these funds. Some men and women have failed to quit smoking. But the whole point is that either they did not want to do this, or they took the medicine in the wrong way. After all, an important condition for the effectiveness of medications such as Tabex or Tzipirkuten is the patient’s irresistible desire to change the situation and stop smoking. And if there is no such desire, and these drugs are imposed on a person, then there will be no positive effect. It will just be a waste of money. You also need to take into account the fact that these funds must be used according to a certain scheme. And if a person did not comply with it, drank pills or applied a patch randomly, there will be no effect from such treatment. In any situation, you need to take your health seriously. Also, before using any form of the drug containing the substance cytisine, you should consult a doctor about this.
Overdose
In case of an overdose of the drug, the following are observed: nausea, vomiting, weakness, increased convulsive activity, respiratory paralysis, tachycardia , mydriasis .
If an overdose of tablets occurs, it is recommended to rinse the stomach. It is necessary to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and maintain normal respiratory function. of infusion solutions , analeptics , anticonvulsants , and cardiotonic drugs is indicated .
Interaction
The medicine reduces the effectiveness of the use of antihypertensive drugs (for example, propranolol ).
Taking bendazole , papaverine , cytisine, metamizole sodium and phenobarbital significantly reduces the effectiveness of the drugs.
After the patient stops smoking, adverse reactions from treatment with theophylline , clozapine , ropinirole , olanzapine .
Treatment with this substance increases the likelihood of developing cholinomimetic adverse reactions due to the intake of acetylcholine , galantamine , revastigmine , carbachol , pyridostigmine , distigmine .
the risk of muscle pain when combined with lovastatin , fluvastatin , simvastatin , pravastatin .
Indications
The instructions for use of cytisine recommend using the medicine for the following purposes:
- Elimination of nicotine addiction;
- Improving the condition of a person who has smoked for a long time and decided to give up the addiction;
- Elimination of withdrawal syndrome.
Nicotine addiction of a psychological and physical nature is a certain form of pathological condition. With its development, a person cannot abstain from smoking despite understanding the negative effects of cigarettes on the body.
It is worth considering that the medicine must be used in accordance with a clearly established scheme. The effectiveness of therapy directly depends on the patient’s condition, his determination and willpower.
special instructions
Treatment with the drug will be successful only if the patient has made a conscious decision to quit smoking.
While taking tablets or using films and patches, you should not smoke, this can lead to the development of severe nicotine intoxication.
Cytisine tablets contain lactose . galactose intolerance , glucose-galactose malabsorption , or lactase deficiency .
Provided there is no dizziness, the drug does not affect the ability to control machinery.
TDTS should not be combined with other medications that have a similar mechanism of action and side effects. The area of skin on which the medicinal patch is applied should not be wet.
Cytisine or nicotine?
Duration of therapy. The smoker must be patient and persistent in his decision, especially if he uses nicotine replacement therapy. It lasts from several weeks to a year, while drugs with cytisine are taken for 25 days. If the attempt fails, it is safe to resume treatment after 2-3 months.
Economic factor. Taking into account the duration of treatment, a smoker choosing nicotine replacement therapy must be prepared to purchase the necessary packages of drugs. Therapy with cytisine can be effective after just one package, while, for example, patches or chewable tablets should be used according to the regimen for several months (several packages).
The occurrence of side effects. They are related mainly to the form of the drug used and are sometimes confused with the characteristic symptoms caused by smoking cessation. When using drugs containing both cytisine and nicotine, the following may occur: dry mouth, heartburn, weight gain, irritability, and poor health. In the case of nicotine replacement therapy, skin changes may also appear: rash, erythema, itching (with patches) - or oral irritation (with chewing gum or tablets).
https://youtube.com/watch?v=9bAPfDcT1-g
Tell yourself: “I’ll give up this bad habit!” It should be remembered that not every attempt to quit smoking ends in success. Attempts should be repeated until you completely stop smoking cigarettes.
Reviews of Cytisine
Reviews about the use of drugs based on this substance are positive. Here are some of them:
- “... I smoked for about 10 years. I tried many ways to quit - nothing helped. Now I haven’t smoked for six months, thanks to these pills. I didn’t notice any side effects during the course”;
- “... I am 40 years old, 23 of which I spent a lot of time and money on cigarettes. I started taking these pills 2 weeks ago. They really help, there is practically no craving anymore, cigarettes are disgusting. I intend to complete the course to the end”;
- “...I started smoking after giving birth to lose weight. Over the course of 2 years, I became persistently dependent on cigarettes, began to feel and look worse, and decided to quit. Someone recommended these pills to me and they helped. No side effects, lasting results, the main thing is not to give up treatment halfway.”
Means "Cytisin": price
Due to the fact that the drug with this name is no longer produced, its cost is unknown. However, the substance cytisine is found in other effective analogue medications. One of these substitutes is the drug "Tabex". Knowing its cost, you can roughly understand at what price the medicine “Cytisine” would be sold. The price of Tabex tablets in quantities of 100 pieces varies between 850–950 rubles.
And for 10 patches of the drug “Tzipirkuten”, another substitute, you need to pay about 380 rubles.
