dose and administration

Last reviewed 11/2020

• in the UK, bupropion is marketed as a 'prolonged release' 150 mg tablet
• smokers (aged 18 years or over) should start taking bupropion 1-2 weeks before their intended quit day
• the dose is bupropion 150mg per day; then increase to a dose of 300mg per day from day seven of treatment (2,3); continue this dose for total treatment course of 7-9 weeks
• it is recommended that a reduced dose is prescribed for elderly patients and for those patients with renal or liver impairment

Please check the manufacturer's prescribing information before prescribing this drug.

Reference:

• 1) Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (2000), 38 (10), 73-75.
• 2) Pulse (9/6/01), 8.
• 3) CSM/MCA (2001). Current problems in pharmacovigilance, 27, 12.