Tabex

The pharmaceutical market offers a wide range of medicines that facilitate the process of quitting smoking. In their fight against nicotine addiction, most smokers, even those with a long history (10-20 years), prefer the Bulgarian company Sopharma Pharmaceuticals and its drug Tabex. According to reviews, this is the drug that most effectively suppresses the craving for smoking. The long-awaited deliverance from the bad habit occurs on the fifth day of taking the drug.

Indications Tabex

Based on consumer reviews, Tabex is considered the #1 remedy for nicotine addiction. It works even in cases where lozenges and patches have not helped, including cases of an impressive history of tobacco abuse (20-30 years).

According to the instructions, indications for the use of Tabex include:

• treatment of tobacco addiction;
• chronic nicotinism;
• quitting smoking cigarettes.

The drug helps to gradually quit smoking and minimizes the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms.

Release form

The pharmacological agent Tabex is produced in tablet form. Release form - round, biconvex tablets in a light brown shell.

The main component of the drug is cytisine, an alkaloid from the seeds of the creeping broom plant Cytisus laburnum, of which one tablet contains 1.5 mg. Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and talc are auxiliary substances.

The film coating is made of Opadry II brown, consisting of lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, dye, triacetin, hypromellose, macrogol 3000.

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Pharmacodynamics

The action of Tabex is based on the irritation of brain receptors, which is similar to the effect of nicotine. However, the medicine, unlike cigarettes, does not cause addiction, but on the contrary, provokes aversion to tobacco smoke. The drug minimizes the possibility of relapses and breakdowns, relieving a person of the physical and psychological attraction to cigarettes. The "nicotine diet" bears fruit in the form of unpleasant sensations from the next puff. The fact is that Tabex consists of nicotine breakdown products, which at the beginning of the therapeutic stage create the impression of the first cigarette in your life. The main advantage of the drug is that, on the one hand, it stimulates a person to give up cigarettes by developing negative emotions and taste perceptions, and on the other hand, it helps to painlessly endure the stress of quitting smoking.

Tabex belongs to the group of N-cholinomimetics that have a stimulating effect on the nicotinic receptors of the autonomic ganglia (a part of the autonomic nervous system).

The pharmacodynamics of Tabex is based on reflex stimulation of the respiratory center, the release of adrenaline through the adrenal glands, namely chromaffin cells, and an increase in blood pressure.

The tablets reduce tobacco addiction by producing unpleasant sensations from a cigarette on the part of taste buds, causing the smoker to feel aversion and disgust towards tobacco. Thus, the craving for cigarettes is reduced and the stressful state of the body associated with nicotine withdrawal is minimized.

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Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of Tabex has not been studied; the manufacturer did not provide data.

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Dosing and administration

Tabex tablets are taken whole, without chewing, with a sufficient amount of water. The first three days, take one tablet of the drug at two-hour intervals, i.e. six times a day. At the same time, it is important to simultaneously reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day. If the drug does not have a positive effect, the intake is stopped and the attempt is repeated after two or three months.

If the desired effect is achieved and the craving for tobacco has noticeably decreased, then the subsequent method of application and dosage of Tabex are as follows:

Days	Dosage	Tablets per day
4-12	1 tab. every 2.5 hours	5pcs
13-16	1 tab. every 3 hours	4pcs
17-20	1 tab. every 5 hours	3pcs
21-25	1 tab. every 6-8 hours	1-2 pcs

It should be noted that by the fifth day of using the drug, you should forget about smoking.

The instructions, among special instructions, emphasize that the medicine should be used only with a conscious intention to get rid of tobacco addiction. Taking the drug in parallel with smoking cigarettes can cause nicotine intoxication.

Use Tabex during pregnancy

It is not recommended to use Tabex during pregnancy due to toxic poisoning of the embryo. The drug should also not be used during lactation.

Contraindications

Contraindications for the use of Tabex:

• myocardial infarction during the acute stage;
• angina characterized by instability;
• arrhythmia;
• problems with blood circulation in the brain;
• atherosclerosis;
• detection of damage to large vessels;
• arterial hypertension;
• diagnosis of pulmonary edema;
• gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer in the process of exacerbation;
• bronchial asthma;
• the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding;
• individual sensitivity to the components of the drug.

The pharmacological drug has restrictions on use in:

• patients with schizophrenia;
• patients suffering from chromaffin type adrenal tumors and heart pathology (ischemia and chronic heart failure).

Special caution when using Tabex should be exercised by smokers with cerebral vascular dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer of the stomach, in cases of renal and hepatic insufficiency.

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Side effects Tabex

When talking about the side effects of the drug, we should not forget about the harm that nicotine causes to the human body. In addition, the negative consequences of taking the drug apply to a narrow group of smokers.

Side effects of Tabex on the digestive system include:

• distortion of taste sensations from food and appetite;
• dry mouth;
• pain in the abdominal area;
• symptoms of intoxication.

Dysfunctions of the central nervous system are determined by attacks of headache, dizziness, irritability/nervousness and fatigue, drowsiness, insomnia.

Negative effects of Tabex on the cardiovascular system:

• increased heart rate;
• pressure surges;
• tachycardia;
• pain syndrome in the sternum area;
• the appearance of shortness of breath.

Some patients report weight loss, excessive sweating, allergic reactions, myalgia and other side effects, which in most cases go away on their own.

Tabex cannot be given to a person without his knowledge, since the use of the medicine requires control and desire on the part of the smoker himself.

The drug does not cause changes in mental activity, so it is used by smokers whose work requires increased attention and concentration (drivers, machine operators, etc.).

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Overdose

Tabex overdose symptoms:

• feeling of nausea;
• urge to vomit;
• dilated pupils;
• a condition characterized by general weakness;
• presence of tachycardia, convulsions;
• paralysis of the respiratory system.

The main therapy for overdose is gastric lavage with monitoring of arterial pressure and heart rate, as well as resumption of respiratory function. In particularly severe situations, infusion solutions, anticonvulsant drugs, cardiotonic substances and analeptics are used.

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Interactions with other drugs

Regarding the interaction of Tabex with other drugs, the package insert states that its simultaneous use with a group of anti-tuberculosis drugs is prohibited.

The drug does not affect the patient's mental activity and does not affect the ability to drive a vehicle.

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Storage conditions

According to the requirements for storing medicines, Tabex, as a potent substance, is included in group B. On the premises of the pharmacy, these pharmaceutical preparations, taking into account the purpose (antibiotics, vitamins, etc.), are placed in separate cabinets with locks marked "B".

Home storage conditions for Tabex include a dry, light- and moisture-proof place where small children cannot reach. The storage temperature should not exceed 25°C.

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Shelf life

The shelf life according to the instructions is two years from the date of manufacture.