Lobeline for smoking cessation

Abstract

BACKGROUND Lobeline is a partial nicotine agonist, which has been used in a variety of commercially available preparations to help stop smoking. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the effects of lobeline on long term smoking cessation. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized trials comparing lobeline to placebo or an alternative therapeutic control, which reported smoking cessation with at least six months follow-up. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We extracted data in duplicate on the type of subjects, the dose and form of lobeline, the outcome measures, method of randomisation, and completeness of follow-up. MAIN RESULTS We identified no trials meeting the full inclusion criteria including long term follow-up. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence available from long term trials that lobeline can aid smoking cessation.