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Lofexidine

  • Lofexidine is a treatment which is used for the management of withdrawal symptoms in patients undergoing heroin or opiate detox.
  • Your pulse rate should be regularly monitored while you are taking this medicine because in some people it slows the heart beat down too much.
  • You should not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as this can cause your blood pressure to rise and be harmful. The medicine should be decreased gradually over several days, according to the instructions given by your doctor.
  • The main side effects are dizziness, dry mouth and drowsiness.

About lofexidine

Type of medicine Alpha adrenergic agonists
Used for Reducing withdrawal symptoms during heroin detox
Also called BritLofex
Available as Tablets

Lofexidine is a treatment which is used for the management of withdrawal symptoms in patients undergoing heroin or opiate detoxification. It is effective in reducing the withdrawal symptoms such as chills, sweating, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, muscle pain, runny nose and eyes. Lofexidine is not an opiate like heroin and is non-addictive, it does not cause withdrawal symptoms of its own.

Before taking lofexidine

Before taking lofexidine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have suffered from heart attacks.
  • If you have suffered from heart rhythm disturbances.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from mini-strokes (TIAs, transient ischaemia attacks) or have had a stroke.
  • If you suffer from high blood pressure.
  • If you suffer from or have ever suffered from depression.

How to take lofexidine

  • Lofexidine may be used as part of a detoxification programme in hospital or at home.
  • Each Lofexidine detox is tailored to meet each individuals requirements and no two detoxifications are exactly the same.
  • You should not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as this can cause your blood pressure to rise and be harmful. The medicine should be decreased gradually over several days, according to the instructions given by your doctor.
  • Your pulse rate should be regularly monitored while you are taking this medicine because in some people it slows the heart beat down too much.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • It is important to note that Lofexidine will not reduce cravings and will only help an individual to deal with the withdrawal symptoms of heroin or opiate withdrawal. Additional support is needed to assist with the psychological withdrawal process from your drugs worker and self help support groups
  • Avoid drinking alcohol whilst undergoing a Lofexidine detoxification because this can make side effects of the medicine worse.
  • Stay positive and relaxed, drink plenty of fluids, eat a light diet and use any support available to you, such as family and friends. It is also important to tell your drugs worker or doctor if you are feeling unwell.
  • Your doctor may be able to prescribe other medicines to help with the effects of heroin or opiate withdrawal.

Can lofexidine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
Dizziness Lofexidine can cause dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position, try getting up slowly.
Dry mouth If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets.
Dry nose If this becomes a problem speak with your doctor.

How to store lofexidine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
988		 DocRef:
dils3019		 Last Updated:
25 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
24 Oct 2008		 Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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