Nephrotoxic effects of varenicline as the most effective drug used for smoking cessation: a preliminary experimental study.

Purpose: Varenicline is a new most effective drug for smoking cessation. Its effect on kidney functions remains unclear. This study purposed to investigate whether varenicline causes nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods: Fifteen rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, 0.0125 mg kg(-1) varenicline and 0.025 mg kg(-1) varenicline (single dose for 3 days, i.p.). Before and after experimental period, serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, creatinine and urea levels were measured. Total oxidant and antioxidant status were measured in kidney homogenates. Histological examination was performed in kidney.

Results: The nephrotoxic effects of varenicline were detected by histopathological and biochemical examinations in the varenicline treatment groups. No change was observed in the control group.

Conclusions: These findings firstly indicate that a 3-day varenicline treatment causes nephrotoxic effects in rats.