Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Cytisine against Nicotine Replacement Treatment
Nicotine and Tobacco Research, cilt.28, sa.6, ss.1032-1038, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 28 Sayı: 6
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1093/ntr/ntaf241
- Dergi Adı: Nicotine and Tobacco Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1032-1038
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction: Cytisine is a plant-derived alkaloid that has gained attention as a cost-effective pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation. This study aimed to compare the real-world effectiveness and safety of cytisine versus nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) among individuals enrolled in a smoking cessation program. Methods: This non-randomized observational study included 476 patients who received pharmacological treatment for smoking cessation between January 2024 and January 2025 at a tertiary smoking cessation clinic. Patients were grouped according to treatment modality: cytisine or NRT. The primary outcome was continuous abstinence at 6 months, based on self-reported smoking status without biochemical verification. Secondary outcomes included tolerability and factors associated with cessation success. Results: Of the 229 patients treated with cytisine, 124 (54.1%) achieved 6-month abstinence, compared to 77 of 247 patients (31.2%) in the NRT group (p<.001). Female sex and the presence of diabetes mellitus were independently associated with higher cessation success. Both treatments were generally well tolerated; no serious adverse events were reported. Cytisine users most commonly reported mild gastrointestinal symptoms and sleep disturbances. Conclusions: Cytisine was significantly more effective than NRT in achieving 6-month continuous abstinence in a real-world setting, with a comparable safety profile. Certain subgroups, such as women and patients with diabetes, may benefit more from pharmacologic cessation support. Implications: This study provides supportive evidence for the routine clinical use of cytisine as a first-line smoking cessation treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Its affordability, tolerability, and short treatment duration offer distinct advantages for public health implementation.