The Effectiveness of Gemfibrozil on Nicotine Dependence, Smoking Cessation, and its Symptom Among Smokers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Based on animal models, the antagonists of alpha-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR-) such as fibrates decrease reinforcement, brain rewards, and nicotine-related effects. Objectives: The present study aimed at investigating the effect of Gemfibrozil on smoking cessation. Methods: This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial that performed on 75 adult cigarette smokers from 200 smokers. Hence, 75 adult cigarette smokers were divided into two groups after matching. The experimental group (37 peoples) and the placebo group (38 peoples). The participants received 300 mg Gemfibrozil or placebo at the same amount twice a day for 7 weeks. This study was conducted in a university affiliated hospital, Kashan, Iran. To investigate nicotine dependency, signs of deprivation syndrome and smoking cessation, the Fagerstrom test, Minnesota Scale (MNWS), and exhalation carbon monoxide markers were used. Results: There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between the two groups. At the seventh week, Fagerstrom mean score was 3.1 3.1 and 5.1 3.4 (P = 0.023) for the treatment and placebo groups respectively. According to the Minnesota criteria, the treatment group showed more increased weight gain and appetite, as well as more decreased desire to smoke (P < 0.001). The success rate of smoking cessation at the end of the intervention and follow-up periods indicated that there was no significant difference between the two groups in this factor (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Gemfibrozil only reduced the symptoms of nicotine deprivation syndrome but did not show significant potential for smoking cessation.