Smoking: clonidine helps smokers quit

Clinical bottom line (level 1a)

  1. Smokers who take clonidine compared with placebo are more likely to quit (NNT = 10 at 12 weeks) .
Gourlay et al: Cochrane Library 2001; 4 : -
Expires May 2004

The study

Systematic review of all randomised tirals of
  • Patients: smoker
  • Intervention: clonidine compared with placebo
  • Outcome: stopped smoking at 3 months

Articles found in ?all languages using Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group trials register, to July 2001 (search terms: detailed in text )

Selection criteria: by 2 independent reviewers
Appraisal criteria: by 2 independent reviewers using: outcome measures, method of randomisation, and completeness of follow-up
Articles excluded if:
  • follow-up < 12 weeks
6 RCTs found involving 776 patients
  • 3 using oral clonidine 0.15 mg to 0.45 mg daily
  • 3 using transdermal clonidine 0.1 to 0.3 mg/day

Studies were not found to be heterogeneous.

The evidence

Outcome Time to outcome CER OR
(95% CI)		 NNT
(95% CI)
quit smoking 12 weeks 55/383
(14.4%)		 1.89
(1.30 to 2.74) 		10
(6 to 28)

Comments

  1. Clonidine commonly causes adverse effects (23% to 92%) - usually dry mouth, sedation and dizziness. Consequently bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy is recommended as first line therapy.

Citation

  1. Gourlay SG, Stead LF, Benowitz NL: clonidine for smoking cessation. Cochrane Library 2001; 4 : -
Search Terms: smoking and cessation in Cochrane Library
Contributor: Chris Ball, May 2002
Reviewer:

Clinical Question.
Patient
Intervention or Exposure
Outcome