Chapter 10 - Varenicline

Varenicline is a novel agent that is centrally acting partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. It has both agonistic and antagonistic properties that together are believed to account for reduction of craving and withdrawal as well as blocking the rewarding effects of smoking. Its targeted mechanism of action,better efficacy and tolerability makes varenicline a useful therapeutic option for smoking cessation. Several methods of varenicline synthesis are included in this profile. UV spectroscopy of varenicline showed a lmax of approximately 235nm, whereas IR spectroscopy ,NMR and fragmentation pattern of varenicline were reported. In addition, pharmacology and methods for the analysis of varenicline are also described.