Randomised double-blind comparison of lofexidine and clonidine in the out-patient treatment of opiate withdrawal.
This study compares the clinical response to lofexidine and clonidine in the out-patient treatment of opiate withdrawal in 50 opiate addicts, using a randomised double-blind study design. Patients were taking 40 mg or less methadone daily, or equivalent amounts of other opiates. Fifty-eight percent of those starting treatment completed detoxification, and were opiate free at 4 weeks: more patients completed withdrawal in the lofexidine group, but the difference was not significant. Clonidine produced more hypotensive effects: more home visits were also required by medical staff. There was no other significant difference in side effects. Both drugs can be used successfully in out-patient detoxification, but lofexidine is more economical in regard to staff time.
Carnwath
T
T
Trafford Community Substance Misuse Team, Manchester, UK.
Hardman
J
J
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003000:Clonidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009294:Narcotics; D003000:Clonidine; D008691:Methadone; C025655:lofexidine