Drug updated on 5/17/2024
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
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Summary
- Lofexidine (Lucemyra) is indicated for the mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults. It has been found equally effective as clonidine, another α-2 adrenergic agonist used off-label for managing these symptoms, but with fewer adverse effects such as hypotension and feelings of unwellness.
- Five studies focused on various aspects of opioid withdrawal management and treatment options, including Lucemyra's safety and efficacy.
- Compared to adjunct medications like gabapentin and suvorexant, Lofexidine shows limited evidence in augmenting opioid agonist initiation. However, it does have a more favorable side-effect profile than methadone, buprenorphine, or clonidine despite similar efficacy levels.
- There is evidence suggesting Lofexidine could be promising in managing stress among individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Additionally, it presents as a useful alternative for managing moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms where benzodiazepines are inappropriate or contraindicated.
- When compared with long-acting opioids like buprenorphine or naltrexone, which are preferred for transitioning into maintenance therapy due to their proven efficacy, Lucemyra’s role appears limited only to initial withdrawal management rather than long-term maintenance treatments.
- Lucemyra aids the detoxification phase by initiating a quicker transition towards evidence-based treatments, thus potentially reducing the use of illicit substances. This makes its utility especially noteworthy in the beginning stages when addressing OUD, preparing patients further towards long-term therapies.
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 |