LOFEXIDINE - ORAL

LOFEXIDINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (loe-FEX-i-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lucemyra

GENERIC NAME(S): lofexidine HCl

Uses

USES: Lofexidine is used to decrease withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping opioids. It can be used as part of a complete treatment program for drug abuse (such as compliance monitoring, counseling, behavioral contract, lifestyle changes).


How to use LOFEXIDINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking lofexidine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily (at least 5 to 6 hours between doses). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on withdrawal symptoms. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. This medication may cause withdrawal reactions. In such cases, high blood pressure or withdrawal symptoms (such as diarrhea, trouble sleeping, anxiety, chills, sweating, muscle aches) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, slow heartbeat, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: ringing in the ears. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking lofexidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, high or low blood pressure, heart disease (such as coronary artery disease), stroke. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Lofexidine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using lofexidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using lofexidine safely. Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too much body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of lightheadedness. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Be sure to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if lofexidine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as alcohol, marijuana, drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness/drowsiness.

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Faq for LOFEXIDINE - ORAL

Lofexidine is used to manage the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Lofexidine works by targeting certain receptors in the body, reducing the release of norepinephrine and dampening the withdrawal symptoms experienced during opioid withdrawal.

The most common side effects of Lofexidine include drowsiness, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, dry mouth, and constipation.

Lofexidine has a half-life of approximately 11 hours, meaning it takes around 2-3 days for the drug to be completely eliminated from the body.

No, Lofexidine is not addictive. It is not an opioid, but rather a medication used to ease withdrawal symptoms during opioid detoxification.

While Lofexidine is primarily used for opioid withdrawal, some studies have shown it may be effective in managing withdrawals from alcohol and benzodiazepines as well, although more research is needed in these areas.

Lofexidine is taken orally, usually as tablets or capsules. The dosage and treatment course depend on the individual's withdrawal severity and medical condition, as determined by a healthcare professional.

It is generally recommended to avoid using Lofexidine during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as there is limited data available on its safety in these situations.

Yes, a prescription is required to obtain Lofexidine. It is not available over-the-counter and should only be used under medical supervision.

Lofexidine is an oral medication used to help reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Lofexidine works by targeting certain receptors in the brain that are involved in the withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence. It helps to alleviate symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, muscle aches, and insomnia.

Lofexidine is primarily prescribed to manage the symptoms of opioid withdrawal in adults.

Lofexidine is typically taken orally, usually with food. The dosage and frequency will be determined by your healthcare provider. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects of lofexidine may include bradycardia (slow heart rate), low blood pressure, dry mouth, dizziness, and sleep disturbances.

It is important to let your healthcare provider know about all medications you are currently taking before starting lofexidine. Certain drugs, such as medications used to treat high blood pressure or central nervous system depressants, may interact with lofexidine.

Lofexidine typically starts working within a few hours of the first dose. However, the full effects may take up to a few days to be noticeable.

No, lofexidine is not considered addictive. It is only used for a short duration to help manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.

It is important to consult with your doctor before taking lofexidine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the potential risks and benefits need to be evaluated.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.