Evidence for Cytisine in Smoking Cessation

Efficacy of Cytisine

• Cytisine is a low-cost partial nicotine receptor agonist available in some European countries that increases the chances of quitting smoking, according to the European Society of Cardiology 1, 2
• The European Society of Cardiology guidelines (2012) state that cytisine "seems to increase the chances of quitting, but the evidence at present is not conclusive" 1, 2

Current Guideline Recommendations

• The European Society of Cardiology recommends first-line pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation, including Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), Varenicline, and Bupropion, which have stronger evidence compared to cytisine 1, 2

Clinical Implementation Considerations

• Behavioral support should be offered alongside cytisine, as with other pharmacological smoking cessation aids, as suggested by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 3
• Cytisine is not yet widely available in many countries, which limits its clinical use, according to the European Heart Journal 1, 2