Tabex

Tabex is a brand name for a cytisine-containing medication used to aid smoking cessation. It is manufactured by Sopharma, a Bulgarian pharmaceutical company, and is marketed in several countries in Europe, Asia, and beyond. The active ingredient, cytisine, is a plant alkaloid that acts as a partial agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, particularly the alpha-4 beta-2 subtype. By partially stimulating these receptors, cytisine can reduce withdrawal symptoms and diminish the rewarding effects of nicotine, helping users quit.

Tabex tablets are taken by mouth according to a prescribed dosing schedule over a period of several weeks, with the dose gradually reduced as treatment progresses. The exact regimen is determined by a healthcare provider and may vary by country.

Clinical evidence on cytisine suggests it can improve smoking cessation rates compared with placebo and may be comparable to other smoking cessation aids in some settings; results can vary by population and study design. Tabex is generally well tolerated, with common adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, dry mouth, and sleep disturbance. Serious adverse events are rare. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and patients should discuss potential interactions with other medicines and existing liver or kidney conditions with a clinician.

Tabex is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is therefore typically unavailable in the United States. In other markets, it remains one of several pharmacological options for tobacco cessation.