Lofexidine

(loh-FEX-ih-deen)

Lofexidine is a non-opioid medication used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. It works by reducing the release of norepinephrine, which is believed to play a role in the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Historical context

Lofexidine was first developed in the 1970s and has been used in the United Kingdom for the management of opioid withdrawal symptoms since the 1990s. It gained FDA approval in the United States in 2018 as the first non-opioid medication for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Medical formulations

Lofexidine is available as oral tablets (e.g., Lucemyra®️).

How long does lofexidine stay in your system?

Lofexidine has a half-life of approximately 11 to 17 hours. It takes roughly 55 to 85 hours for the drug to be completely eliminated from the body.

Street names

Lofe, Lucemy, Luce

Appearance

Lofexidine pills are typically round and white, with the manufacturer's logo and dosage imprinted on one side.

Common pills

• Lofexidine 0.18 mg tablet (Lucemyra®️): The tablet is white-to-off-white, round, and has "FLX" on one side and "18" on the other side.
• Lofexidine 0.36 mg tablet (Lucemyra®️): The tablet is white-to-off-white, round, and has "FLX" on one side and "36" on the other side.
• Lofexidine 0.72 mg tablet (Lucemyra®️): The tablet is white-to-off-white, round, and has "FLX" on one side and "72" on the other side.