How To Use Cytisine
Complete Step-by-Step Usage Guide, Dosage Instructions & Safety Information
Key Takeaways: How To Use Cytisine
- Dosage form: 1.5 mg tablets; one pack (100 tablets) covers the full 25‑day course.
- Critical rule: Stop smoking completely by day 5 of treatment.
- Schedule: Frequent dosing initially, tapering down over 25 days.
- Contraindications: Not for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, unstable heart disease, recent stroke, or severe arrhythmias.
- Food: Can be taken with or without food; if stomach upset occurs, take after meals.
Cytisine is a prescription‑only smoking cessation aid. Correct usage is essential for success and safety. Follow this step‑by‑step guide, based on the official Patient Information Leaflet and clinical guidance.
Important Medical Advice
Do not exceed the recommended dose. If you experience chest pain, palpitations, severe shortness of breath, or signs of allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue), stop Cytisine and seek urgent medical attention. Smoking while on Cytisine may increase side effects.
How to Take Cytisine: Step-by-Step Guide
Taking Cytisine correctly ensures optimal receptor binding and gradual weaning from nicotine. Follow these steps:
- Set a quit date: Choose a day to begin the course – usually the day you take your first tablet.
- Day 1–3 (loading): Take one tablet every 2 hours while awake (e.g., 6 tablets spread across the day). Swallow whole with water.
- Day 4–12: Reduce to one tablet every 2.5 hours (max 5 tablets/day).
- Day 13–16: Take one tablet every 3 hours (max 4 tablets/day).
- Day 17–20: Take one tablet every 5 hours (max 3 tablets/day).
- Day 21–25: Take 1–2 tablets daily, preferably in the morning and early evening.
- Stop smoking by day 5: This is crucial – continuing to smoke after day 5 increases nicotine‑related side effects and reduces efficacy.
If you miss a dose, skip it – do not double up. If treatment fails, you may try again after 2–3 months.
Cytisine Dosage Guide: 25-Day Schedule
The dosage regimen is designed to gradually reduce the frequency of tablets while your brain adapts to life without nicotine.
| Days | Dosing frequency | Maximum daily dose |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | 1 tablet every 2 hours | 6 tablets |
| 4–12 | 1 tablet every 2.5 hours | 5 tablets |
| 13–16 | 1 tablet every 3 hours | 4 tablets |
| 17–20 | 1 tablet every 5 hours | 3 tablets |
| 21–25 | 1–2 tablets per day | 2 tablets |
Important: One pack contains exactly 100 tablets – sufficient for the full course. Do not extend treatment beyond 25 days without consulting your doctor.
🗒️ Clinical tip: Set alarms or use a dosing diary to keep on track, especially during the first week when dosing is more frequent.
Who Should Use Cytisine?
Cytisine is suitable for adults (18–65 years) who are motivated to quit smoking. It is specifically indicated for:
- Smokers who want to stop completely and are willing to follow the 25‑day regimen.
- Individuals who have tried nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) without success.
- Those seeking a non‑nicotine, plant‑based pharmacological aid.
- People without contraindications listed in section 4.
Clinical studies show that Cytisine is most effective in those with a strong commitment to quitting.
Who Should NOT Use Cytisine (Contraindications)
Based on the PIL, do NOT take Cytisine if any of the following apply:
- Allergy to cytisine or any tablet ingredient.
- Unstable angina (chest pain) or recent myocardial infarction (heart attack).
- Clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias.
- Recent stroke (cerebrovascular accident).
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Caution required (use only under close medical supervision): ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, phaeochromocytoma, atherosclerosis, gastric/duodenal ulcer, GERD, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, schizophrenia, kidney or liver failure. Cytisine is not recommended for under‑18s or over‑65s due to limited data.
Taking Cytisine with Food: What You Need to Know
Cytisine can be taken either with or without food. Food does not significantly affect its absorption. However:
- If you experience mild nausea or stomach upset (common in the first days), taking tablets after a meal or with a snack may help.
- Avoid consuming large amounts of acidic drinks (e.g., orange juice) immediately after dosing, as theoretical pH effects on absorption are minimal but not well studied.
Always swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water.
Special Conditions: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Others
Pregnancy
Cytisine is contraindicated during pregnancy. There is no adequate data on safety in pregnant women. If you are of childbearing potential, you must use effective contraception during treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Cytisine, stop immediately and consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding
Cytisine passes into breast milk and may harm the infant. Therefore, it is contraindicated while breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, discuss alternative smoking cessation methods with your healthcare provider.
Hepatic or renal impairment
No clinical experience in patients with significant liver or kidney impairment; use is not recommended.
Psychiatric conditions
Stopping smoking, with or without treatment, can worsen psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, rarely suicidal ideation). If you have a history of psychiatric disorder, inform your doctor before starting.
Cytisine Usage FAQs
What happens if I smoke while taking Cytisine?
Smoking during treatment (especially after day 5) increases the risk of side effects like nausea, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. It may also reduce the chance of quitting successfully.
Can I drink alcohol while using Cytisine?
There is no direct interaction, but alcohol can weaken your resolve to quit. It's best to avoid or limit alcohol during the 25‑day course.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled one. Do not take two tablets at once.
Is Cytisine safe to use with other quit‑smoking aids?
Combining Cytisine with nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum) is not recommended as it may increase side effects. Always consult your doctor before combining treatments.
Can I take Cytisine if I have high blood pressure?
Cytisine can be used in well‑controlled hypertension, but caution is needed. It may cause a rise in blood pressure in some people. Discuss with your doctor before starting.
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Medical Content Manager
Nabeel is a co-founder, and medical content manager of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Medical Doctor
Dr. Feroz is a GMC-registered doctor and a medical reviewer at Chemist Doctor. He oversees acute condition and urgent care guidance.
Medical Director
Usman is a co-founder, and medical director of Chemist Doctor. He leads the organisation's strategic vision, bridging clinical and operational priorities.
Review Date: 27 February 2026
Next Review: 27 August 2026
Published on: 27 February 2026
Last Updated: 27 February 2026