Drug updated on 9/4/2024
Dosage Form | Tablet (oral; 0.18 mg) |
Drug Class | Central alpha-2 adrenergic agonists |
Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults.
Latest News
Summary
- Lucemyra (lofexidine) is indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults.
- This summary is based on the review of five systematic review(s)/meta-analysis(es). [1-5]
- Lofexidine vs. Clonidine for Opioid Withdrawal: Lofexidine significantly reduced opioid withdrawal symptom severity in one study compared to clonidine, but four other studies showed no significant difference. No significant difference in detoxification completion rates was observed between the two drugs.
- Lofexidine vs. Methadone and Buprenorphine: Lofexidine was equally effective in controlling withdrawal symptoms when compared to methadone and buprenorphine, with a better side effect profile.
- Lofexidine for Stress Management in OUD: Preliminary results suggest that lofexidine may improve treatment outcomes by targeting stress in individuals with opioid use disorder.
- Lofexidine was associated with significant adverse effects, including hypotension, bradycardia, orthostasis, somnolence, sedation, dry mouth, rebound elevations in blood pressure, and QT interval prolongation. It is contraindicated in patients taking beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors.
- In comparison to clonidine, lofexidine caused fewer adverse effects, though it still resulted in significant hypotension, bradycardia, and pupillary constriction in one study.
- There is no population type or subgroup information available in the reviewed studies.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
Document Title | Year | Source |
---|---|---|
Lucemyra (lofexidine) Prescribing Information. | 2023 | US Worldmeds LLC, Louisville, KY |
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
Document Title | Year | Source |
---|---|---|
Managing opioid withdrawal symptoms during the fentanyl crisis: a review. | 2024 | Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation |
The effectiveness of non-benzodiazepine, non-barbiturate medications for alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a rapid systematic review. | 2021 | Alcohol and Alcoholism |
Lofexidine versus clonidine for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms: a systematic review. | 2020 | Journal of the American Pharmacists Association |
Stress and opioid use disorder: a systematic review. | 2019 | Addictive Behaviors |
Clinical efficacy and safety profile of lofexidine hydrochloride in treating opioid withdrawal symptoms: a review of literature. | 2019 | Cureus |
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Document Title | Year | Source |
---|---|---|
The ASAM national practice guideline for the treatment of opioid use disorder. | 2020 | American Society of Addiction Medicine |
Opioid management: initiating, monitoring, and tapering. | 2020 | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America |
New directions in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. | 2020 | The Lancet |
The role of lofexidine in management of opioid withdrawal. | 2019 | Pain and Therapy |