TABLE 1.

FDA-Approved and Investigational Smoking-Cessation Medications Targeting Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

MEDICATIONS/COMPOUNDS	MECHANISM	STATUS	REFERENCE
Nicotine replacement therapies*	Replace nicotine obtained from tobacco smoke through the use of safer options	FDA approved	Nides, 2008
Varenicline	Partial α4β2 nAChR agonist Acts as an antagonist in the presence of nicotine to decrease the reinforcing effects of nicotine Activates nicotinic receptors during abstinence and limits the aversive effects associated with nicotine withdrawal	FDA approved	Gonzales et al., 2006
Mecamylamine	Nonselective nicotinic receptor antagonist	Utility limited due to non-selective action	Schnoll and Lerman, 2006

^*Nicotine patch, gum, inhaler, microtab, nasal spray, and lozenge.