Pharmacotherapy of smoking cessation and the Indian scenario

Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases and deaths, both in India and the rest of the world. Various effective methods are now available which can help a person to quit smoking. However, the awareness of such interventions and the will to implement them are lacking both among tobacco addicts and healthcare providers in India. This article reviews the various pharmacological interventions currently available, the Indian scenario with regard to smoking cessation and the impact of smokeless tobacco use.