Long COVID Patterns in the RECOVER-Adult Study
November 21, 2025
Brand Name :
Lucemyra
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
lofexidine
Class :
psychiatry agents, other
dosage forms & strengthsÂ
tabletÂ
0.18mgÂ
Indicated for opioid withdrawal
initial dose: 0.18 mg of three tablets (i.e.,0.54 mg) orally four times a day, while in the peak time of withdrawal symptoms (like the 5-7 days following opioid use
it should not exceed 2.88 mg of total dose in a day (i.e.,16 tablets)
it should not exceed 0.72 mg of a single dose in a day (i.e.,4 tablets)
therapy can be continued for nearly 14 days with dosing guided by the symptoms
for people who show a higher sensitivity, the dose can be decreased, held, or also discontinued
when opioid withdrawal symptoms get subside, the decreased dose may be suitable
discontinue by slowly decreasing the dose for over a 2-4 day period to alleviate the lofexidine withdrawal symptoms (like decreasing by one tablet/dose every one-two day)
safety and efficacy not establishedÂ
refer to adult dosingÂ
may have an increased AV-blocking effect when combined with beta-blockers
lofexidine: they may increase the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-prolonging Agents
lofexidine: they may increase the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-prolonging Agents
lofexidine: they may increase the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-prolonging Agents
lofexidine: they may increase the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-prolonging Agents
lofexidine: they may increase the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-prolonging Agents
beta
beta
may increase the AV-blocking effect of beta blockers
may increase the AV-blocking effect of beta blockers
They may increase the vasopressor effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
They may increase the vasopressor effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
They may increase the vasopressor effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
They may increase the vasopressor effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may increase the vasoconstricting effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may increase the hypertensive effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may decrease the diagnostic effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
may decrease the antihypertensive effect when combined with alpha2-agonists
may increase the vasoconstricting effect of Ergot Derivatives
esketamine: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
linezolid: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
It may increase the CNS depressant effect when combined with CNS Depressants
lofexidine: they may increase the arrhythmogenic effect of amiodarone
may enhance the effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism
may increase the hypertensive effect
It may increase the hypertensive effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
it may enhance the effects when combined with lofexidine by pharmacodynamic synergism
mianserin: it may decrease the therapeutic effect of Alpha2-Agonists
lofexidine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
lofexidine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
lofexidine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
lofexidine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
lofexidine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the av-blocking effect of beta-blockers
may increase the av-blocking effect of beta-blockers
may increase the av-blocking effect of beta-blockers
may increase the av-blocking effect of beta-blockers
may increase the av-blocking effect of beta-blockers
may increase the CNS depressant effect
may increase the CNS depressant effect
may increase the CNS depressant effect
may increase the CNS depressant effect
may increase the CNS depressant effect
may enhance the AV-blocking effect of beta-blockers
may enhance the AV-blocking effect of beta-blockers
may enhance the AV-blocking effect of beta-blockers
may enhance the AV-blocking effect of beta-blockers
may enhance the AV-blocking effect of beta-blockers
it increases the effect of CNS depressants
it increases the effect of CNS depressants
it increases the effect of CNS depressants
may increase the effect of beta-blockers
may increase the effect of beta-blockers
may increase the effect of beta-blockers
may increase the effect of beta-blockers
may increase the effect of beta-blockers
may increase the effect of beta-blockers
lofexidine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
lofexidine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
lofexidine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
may increase the AV-blocking effect
may increase the AV-blocking effect
may increase the AV-blocking effect
may increase the AV-blocking effect
may increase the AV-blocking effect
lofexidine: they may increase the toxic effect of mu-opioid receptor agonists
lofexidine: they may increase the toxic effect of mu-opioid receptor agonists
diphenoxylate, when used with lofexidine, increases sedation
it increases the effect of CNS depressants
it increases the effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect
may increase the CNS depressant effect
may increase the CNS depressant effect
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
It may increase the hypertensive effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may decrease the vasoconstricting effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may increase the hypertensive effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the qtc interval when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
enhancement in activity of either of the drugs occurs due to pharmacodynamic synergistic effect when lofexidine is taken with papaverine
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
zavegepant: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
monoamine oxidase inhibitor: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
monoamine oxidase inhibitor: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
monoamine oxidase inhibitor: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
monoamine oxidase inhibitor: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
monoamine oxidase inhibitor: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
doxofylline: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
fentanyl: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
tedizolid: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists
decongestant: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha 2-Agonists
acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin
decongestant: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha 2-Agonists
brompheniramine, dextromethorphan and phenylephrine
decongestant: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha 2-Agonists
decongestant: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha 2-Agonists
sympathomimetics: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha 2-Agonists
sympathomimetics: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha 2-Agonists
sympathomimetics: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha 2-Agonists
sympathomimetics: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha 2-Agonists
sympathomimetics: they may increase the hypertensive effect of Alpha 2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
actions and spectrum:Â
lofexidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist medication used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. It acts by binding to and activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce the release of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter) and subsequently alleviates withdrawal symptoms.Â
The primary action of lofexidine is to mitigate the effects of opioid withdrawal, such as anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, insomnia, and drug cravings. By modulating the adrenergic system, lofexidine helps stabilize the central nervous system and minimize the intensity of withdrawal symptoms experienced during opioid detoxification.Â
regarding its spectrum, lofexidine is selective for alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. It primarily targets the alpha-2a subtype of these receptors, involved in opioid withdrawal symptoms and regulation of sympathetic activity. By specifically activating these receptors, lofexidine produces its therapeutic effects without significantly affecting other adrenergic receptors.Â
frequency definedÂ
>10%Â
bradycardia (24-32%)Â
hypotension (30%)Â
sedation (12-13%)Â
somnolence (11-13%)Â
insomnia (51-55%)Â
dizziness (19-23%)Â
orthostatic hypotension (29-42%)Â
dry mouth (10-11%)Â
1-10%Â
tinnitus: (0.9-3.2%)Â
syncope: (0.9-1.4%)Â
black box warning:Â
noneÂ
contraindication/caution:Â
contraindicationÂ
cautionÂ
pregnancy consideration:Â Â
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assignedÂ
Lactation:  Â
Excreted into human milk: Not known.Â
Pregnancy category:Â
pharmacology:Â
lofexidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist with central and peripheral effects. By binding and activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, lofexidine reduces the release of norepinephrine, alleviating opioid withdrawal symptoms. its peripheral actions include reducing sympathetic outflow, leading to decreased peripheral adrenergic activity and subsequent blood pressure lowering.
lofexidine has mild sedative properties and is metabolized in the liver, primarily through oxidation and glucuronidation pathways, with the metabolites being eliminated primarily in the urine. Overall, lofexidine’s pharmacological effects are attributed to its modulation of the adrenergic system, primarily through selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor activation.Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
Mechanism of action: the action of lofexidine is primarily related to its interaction with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system. lofexidine acts as a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, explicitly targeting the alpha-2a subtype of these receptors.Â
When lofexidine binds to and activates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, it decreases the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in the modulation of various physiological functions. By reducing norepinephrine release, lofexidine helps stabilize the central nervous system and dampens the hyperactivity associated with opioid withdrawal.Â
The activation of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain by lofexidine is thought to modulate the noradrenergic pathways involved in the expression of withdrawal symptoms. This includes reducing the firing of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus, a brain region implicated in opioid withdrawal symptoms.Â
By modulating the adrenergic system, lofexidine helps alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, insomnia, and drug cravings associated with opioid withdrawal. It does not directly address the underlying opioid addiction but provides symptomatic relief during detoxification.Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
absorptionÂ
lofexidine is well absorbed after oral administration. The peak plasma concentration (tmax) is approximately 3 to 6 hours.Â
distributionÂ
lofexidine has a moderate distribution volume. It is nearly 70% bound to plasma proteins, mainly to albumin.Â
metabolismÂ
Lofexidine is extensively metabolized in the liver through several pathways, including oxidation, glucuronidation, and n-dealkylation. the significant metabolites include 2-hydroxylofexidine, 3-hydroxylofexidine, and 3-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyllofexidine. these metabolites are pharmacologically active but present in lower concentrations than the parent drug.Â
elimination and excretionÂ
the elimination half-life of lofexidine is approximately 11 hours. The main route of excretion by the kidneys, with approximately 40% to 60% of the administered dose excreted in the urine as metabolites. only a tiny percentage of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine.Â
administration:Â
oral administrationÂ
lofexidine is typically administered orally in the form of tablets or capsules. the specific dosing instructions may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Â
patient information leafletÂ
generic name: lofexidineÂ
pronounced: [ loe-fex-i-deen ]Â
why do we use lofexidine?Â
lofexidine is primarily used for the management of opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is indicated for reducing withdrawal symptoms in adults who are discontinuing opioid use. the medication helps alleviate the physical and psychological symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal, making the detoxification process more tolerable.Â