Smoking cessation therapy considerations for patients with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is a readily modifiable cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk factor. Smoking cessation aids include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline. Several reports suggest that patients with CKD who use tobacco products be encouraged to stop; however, very little is offered to the healthcare provider as to how to successfully prescribe and monitor smoking cessation therapy for this patient population. This article reviews NRT, bupropion, and varenicline pharmacokinetics and dosing literature for patients with CKD. Evidence for the benefit of smoking cessation in patients with CKD is also reviewed.