The molecule is an organic heterotetracyclic compound that acts as a partial agonist for nicotinic cholinergic receptors and is used (in the form of its tartate salt) as an aid to giving up smoking. It has a role as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist and a serotonergic agonist. It is a secondary amino compound, an organic heterotetracyclic compound and a bridged compound. It is a conjugate base of a varenicline(1+).
(1S,12R)-5,8,14-triazatetracyclo[10.3.1.02,11.04,9]hexadeca-2,4,6,8,10-pentaene