Cytisine Tablets - Smoking Cessation

How Cytisine tablets work

Cytisine is a medication used to help smokers quit the habit for good. This product is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

The active ingredient in cytisine is plant alkaloid cytisine. Cytisine has a similar chemical structure to nicotine and therefore relieves the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. This allows for a gradual reduction in nicotine dependence and nicotine cravings in smokers.

How to use Cystine tablets

Always take cytisine exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has instructed you to.

Treatment duration usually lasts for 25 days. One pack of cytisine, containing 100 tablets, is sufficient for this treatment period. You should stop smoking no later than the fifth day of your treatment.

The treatment schedule is:

Days of treatment 

Recommended dosage 

Maximum daily dose 

Days 1-3 

1 tablet every 2 hours 

Max daily dose of 6 tablets 

Days 4-12 

1 tablet every 2.5 hours 

Max daily dose of 5 tablets 

Days 13-16 

1 tablet every 3 hours 

Max daily dose of 4 tablets 

Days 17-20 

1 tablet every 5 hours 

Max daily dose of 3 tablets 

Days 21-25 

1-2 tablets per day 

Max daily dose of 2 tablets 

Cytisine should be taken with water.

Cystine side effects

Like all medicines, cytisine may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Common side effects include:

• increased appetite
• weight gain
• dizziness
• irritability
• mood changes
• anxiety
• increased blood pressure
• dry mouth
• diarrhoea
• rashes
• fatigue
• sleep disorders
• headaches
• increased heart rate
• feeling sick and being sick
• heartburn
• constipation
• abdominal pain
• muscle pain

This medication should only be taken by those with a serious intention of weaning off nicotine. Continuing to smoke could lead to more serious side effects of nicotine.

For more information on potential side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet. If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious side effects

Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, including:

• swelling of the face and throat
• skin rash
• breathing difficulties
• loss of consciousness

Who can’t use cytisine?

Cytisine isn’t suitable for everyone. Do not take these tablets if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients
• have unstable angina
• have a history of myocardial infarction
• have cardiac arrhythmia
• have recently had a stroke
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding

When to speak to your clinician

You should speak to your doctor or one of our pharmacists before taking this medicine if you have any of the following:

• ischemic heart disease
• hypertension
• pheochromocytoma
• atherosclerosis and other peripheral vascular diseases
• a gastric and duodenal ulcer
• gastroesophageal reflux disease
• hyperthyroidism
• diabetes
• a history of psychiatric illness
• kidney and liver failure

You should also talk to your doctor or one of our pharmacists if you are taking any other medication or complementary therapy. We do not recommend using cytisine if you are taking any of the following medications:

• anti-tuberculosis medication
• medications containing theophylline (to treat asthma)
• tacrine (to treat Alzheimer’s)
• clozapine (to treat schizophrenia)
• ropinirole (to treat Parkinson’s disease)

How to store cystine tablets

Store this product below 25°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.