Lobeline for smoking cessation

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 methods: We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group trials register (most recent search December 2011).

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. One large trial failed to detect any effect on short-term abstinence.

Authors' conclusions: There is no evidence available from long term trials that lobeline can aid smoking cessation, and the short-term evidence suggests there is no benefit.