What is Lofexidine?
Lofexidine blocks the release of norepinephrine. This hormone is similar to adrenaline and contributes to withdrawal symptoms.Lofexidine, a non-opioid prescribed medicine for adults, is used to treat the symptoms of opioid addiction that can occur when stopping an opioid abruptly.Aside from nausea and cramps, other symptoms include muscle spasms, cold feelings, a pounding heart, muscular tension, and muscle spasms. Other symptoms can include yawning and runny eyelids.Lofexidine does not treat opioid dependence. If you have been diagnosed as having an opioid dependency, your healthcare provider may prescribe this drug.
Warnings
Lofexidine may cause serious side effects in your blood vessels or heart. If you experience a slow heartbeat, severe nausea, or feel faint, call your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor before taking another dose of the drug lofexidine.Do not drive or perform any other activities that require you to be alert until you know how lofexidine will affect you.You could end up with very low blood pressure if you overheat or become dehydrated. You may feel dizzy if you get up too quickly from a seated or lying position.Do not abruptly stop taking lofexidine. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dose.When this medicine is suddenly stopped, it can cause high blood pressure, anxiety, and arm or leg pain. It may also cause diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping, chills, or even sweating.Lofexidine does not keep you drug-free. After stopping opioids, people may be more susceptible to side effects when they start taking them again. There is a higher risk of death and overdose for people who have stopped taking opioid drugs.
Similar/related drugs
Methadone, chlorpromazine, Thorazine, Dolophine, Methadose, and Lucemyra
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to lofexidine, it is best not to use it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that lofexidine will be safe for you:
- Slow heartbeats
- Low blood pressure
- Heart problems
- A stroke or heart attack
- An electrolyte imbalance is a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood.
- Long-QT syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Unknown is whether lofexidine can harm an unborn child. Tell your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant.Breast-feeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.Lofexidine should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Lofexidine medication?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Please read all instructions provided on your prescription label.Take lofexidine either with or without food.This medicine may be needed for up to fourteen days. Your doctor may change the dose or discontinue this treatment depending on your withdrawal symptoms. Please follow all instructions for dosage.Lofexidine does not prevent all opioid withdrawal symptoms, including yawning and pounding of the heart, watery eyes, feeling cold, nausea, stomach pain or discomfort, body aches, or muscle tightness.You may need additional support, counselling or monitoring if you experience opioid withdrawal.Lofexidine may cause serious side effects on your blood vessels or heart. If you experience slow heartbeats or severe dizziness (as if you were about to pass out), call your doctor immediately. Do not take the next dose of lofexidine until you speak to your doctor if you experience these side effects.If you stop taking lofexidine abruptly, your blood pressure may rise rapidly, and you may experience unpleasant symptoms. You should follow your doctor's advice on how to taper your dose.Keep away from moisture and heat at room temperature. Keep the tablets and the moisture-absorbing preservative in the original containers.You will be more susceptible to the effects of opioids if you begin using them after a prolonged period without using them. It could increase the risk of death and overdose.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for opiate withdrawal:
Initial dose: Orally, 0.54 mg, 4 times per day during the peak withdrawal period.
The dosage should be determined by the symptoms and side effects.
Dosing frequency: every 5 to 6 hours
Maximum single dose: 0.72 mg
Maximum daily dose: 2.88 mg/day
Maximum treatment duration: 14 days
Comments:
The period of maximum withdrawal symptoms occurs generally within the first five to seven days after last opioid use.
The treatment can be continued for up to 14 days, with dosages based on symptoms.As withdrawal symptoms diminish, lower doses may be appropriate.To minimise the withdrawal symptoms of lofexidine, discontinuation should be done over a period of 2 to 4 days (e.g. Reduce the dose by 1 tablet every 1 to 2 weeks.
Use: To reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have experienced the effects of lofexidine. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries.You could suffer from very low blood pressure if you overheat or become dehydrated.Avoid alcohol consumption.
Side effects of Lofexidine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Slow heartbeats
- Dizziness or sleepiness that is sever
- Feeling lightheaded, like you might pass out.
Side effects of lofexidine include:
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness, especially when standing up;
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
There may be other side effects.Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Lofexidine may cause serious heart problems if it is taken with other medications for asthma, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, or cancer.This effect can be worsened by taking lofexidine along with other drugs that make you sleepy. Before taking a sedative, such as Xanax, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine to treat anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may interact with lofexidine. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
