A controlled comparison of buprenorphine and clonidine for acute detoxification from opioids.
We compared the short-term efficacy of a high-dose, 3 day regimen of buprenorphine to a standard 5-day course of clonidine in attenuating the signs and symptoms of the acute opioid abstinence syndrome during rapid detoxification from heroin in 25 men and women admitted to a closed inpatient research ward for this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial. Among the 18 completers, there were no significant differences between the buprenorphine and clonidine groups on five subjective and six physiological measures. However, clonidine lowered blood pressure and buprenorphine provided more effective early relief of withdrawal symptoms.
National Institute on Drug Abuse's Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD.
L J
LJ
Cheskin
P J
PJ
Fudala
R E
RE
Johnson
D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014505:Urban Population
D002047:Buprenorphine; D003000:Clonidine