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Lofexidine

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Lofexidine

Brand Names
Lofexidine
Dosage Form
TABLET, FILM COATED
Product Type
DRUG FOR FURTHER PROCESSING

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Lofexidine tablets contain lofexidine, a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, as the hydrochloride salt. Lofexidine hydrochloride is chemically designated as 2-[1-(2,6-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl]-4,5 dihydro-1 H - imidazole monohydrochloride with a molecular formula of C 11 H 12 Cl 2 N 2 O

  • HCl. Its molecular weight is 295.6 g/mole and its structural formula is: Lofexidine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder freely soluble in water, methanol, and ethanol. It is slightly soluble in chloroform and practically insoluble in n-hexane and benzene. Lofexidine tablet is available as round, concave-shaped, peach-colored, film-coated tablets, debossed with “C” on one side and “71” on other side for oral administration. Each tablet contains 0.18 lofexidine, equivalent to 0.2 mg of lofexidine hydrochloride and the following inactive ingredients: 87 mg lactose monohydrate, 12.3 mg citric acid monohydrate, 5.7 mg microcrystalline cellulose, 1.1 mg povidone K-30, 0.70 mg sodium lauryl sulphate, 5.0 mg sodium starch glycolate, 2.0 mg calcium stearate and Opadry AMB II orange 88A530003 (contains polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, Glyceryl mono and dicaprylocaprate, sodium lauryl sulfate, FD&C yellow #6/sunset yellow FCF aluminum lake and FD&C blue #2/indigo carmine aluminium lake). lofexidine-structure

    • What Is Lofexidine Used For?

    1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Lofexidine tablets are indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults. Lofexidine tablets are a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults.

    Dosage and Administration

    2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • The usual lofexidine tablets dosage are three 0.18 mg tablets taken orally 4 times daily at 5-to 6-hour intervals lofexidine tablets treatment may be continued for up to14 days with dosing guided by symptoms. ( 2.1 )
  • Discontinue lofexidine tablets with a gradual dose reduction over 2 to 4 days.( 2.1 )
  • Hepatic or Renal Impairment: Dosage adjustments are recommended based on degree of impairment. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) 2.1 Dosing Information The usual lofexidine tablets starting dosage is three 0.18 mg tablets taken orally 4 times daily during the period of peak withdrawal symptoms (generally the first 5 to 7 days following last use of opioid) with dosing guided by symptoms and side effects. There should be 5 to 6 hours between each dose. The total daily dosage of lofexidine tablets should not exceed 2.88 mg (16 tablets) and no single dose should exceed 0.72 mg (4 tablets). Lofexidine tablets treatment may be continued for up to 14 days with dosing guided by symptoms. Discontinue lofexidine tablets with a gradual dose reduction over a 2- to 4-day period to mitigate lofexidine tablets withdrawal symptoms (e.g., reducing by 1 tablet per dose every 1 to 2 days). [see Warnings & Precautions (5.5) ]. The lofexidine tablets dose should be reduced, held, or discontinued for individuals who demonstrate a greater sensitivity to lofexidine tablets side effects [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Lower doses may be appropriate as opioid withdrawal symptoms wane. Lofexidine tablets can be administered in the presence or absence of food. 2.2 Dosage Recommendations for Patients with Hepatic Impairment Recommended dosage adjustments based on the degree of hepatic impairment are shown in Table 1. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Table 1: Dosage Recommendations in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Mild Impairment Moderate Impairment Severe Impairment Child-Pugh score 5-6 7-9 > 9 Recommended dose 3 tablets 4 times daily (2.16 mg per day) 2 tablets 4 times daily (1.44 mg per day) 1 tablet 4 times daily (0.72 mg per day) 2.3 Dosage Recommendations for Patients with Renal Impairment Recommended dosage adjustments based on the degree of renal impairment are shown in Table 2. Lofexidine tablets may be administered without regard to the timing of dialysis [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Table 2: Dosage Recommendations in Patients with Renal Impairment Mild or Moderate Impairment Severe Impairment, End-Stage Renal Disease, or on Dialysis Estimated GFR, mL/min/1.73 m 2 30-89.9 < 30 Recommended dose 2 tablets 4 times daily (1.44 mg per day) 1 tablet 4 times daily (0.72 mg per day)

    • Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

    6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling:

  • Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
  • QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
  • Central Nervous System Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]
  • Opioid Overdose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
  • Discontinuation Symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 10% and notably more frequent than placebo) are orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness, somnolence, sedation, and dry mouth. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lambda Therapeutics Research Ltd. at +1-855-642-2594 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to adverse reaction rates observed for another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of lofexidine was supported by 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, an open-label study, and clinical pharmacology studies with concomitant administration of either methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. The 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials enrolled 935 subjects dependent on short-acting opioids undergoing abrupt opioid withdrawal. Patients were monitored before each dose in an inpatient setting. Table 3 presents the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of adverse events that occurred in at least 10% of subjects treated with lofexidine and for which the incidence in patients treated with lofexidine was greater than the incidence in subjects treated with placebo in a study that tested two doses of lofexidine, 2.16 mg per day and 2.88 mg per day, and placebo. The overall safety profile in the combined dataset was similar. Orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness, somnolence, sedation, and dry mouth were notably more common in subjects treated with lofexidine tablet than subjects treated with placebo. Table 3: Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥10% of Lofexidine Tablet-Treated Patients and More Frequently than Placebo Adverse Reaction Lofexidine tablet 2.16 mg 1 (%)N=229 Lofexidine tablet 2.88 mg 1 (%) N=222 Placebo (%) N=151 Insomnia 51 55 48 Orthostatic Hypotension 29 42 5 Bradycardia 24 32 5 Hypotension 30 30 1 Dizziness 19 23 3 Somnolence 11 13 5 Sedation 13 12 5 Dry Mouth 10 11 0 * Assigned dose; mean average daily dose received was 79% of assigned dose due to dose-holds for out-of-range vital signs. Other notable adverse reactions associated with the use of lofexidine tablet but reported in <10% of patients in the lofexidine tablet group included:
  • Syncope: 0.9%, 1.4% and 0% for lofexidine tablet 2.16 mg/day and 2.88 mg/day and placebo,respectively
  • Tinnitus: 0.9%, 3.2% and 0% for lofexidine tablet 2.16 mg/day and 2.88 mg/day and placebo,respectively Blood pressure changes and adverse reactions after lofexidine tablet cessation Elevations in blood pressure above normal values (≥ 140 mmHg systolic) and above a subject’s pre-treatment baseline are associated with discontinuing lofexidine tablet, and peaked on the second day after discontinuation, as shown in Table 4. Blood pressure values were evaluated for 3 days following the last dose of a 5-day course of lofexidine tablet 2.88mg/day. Table 4: Blood Pressure Elevations after Stopping Treatment Abrupt lofexidine tablet Discontinuation 2.88 mg (N = 134) Placebo (N = 129) N at risk n (%) N at risk n (%) Systolic Blood Pressure on Day 2 after Discontinuation ≥ 140 mmHg and ≥ 20 mmHg increase from baseline ≥ 170 mmHg and ≥ 20 mmHg increase from baseline 58 23(39.7) 58 5(8.6) 37 6 (16.2) 37 0 Blood pressure elevations of a similar magnitude and incidence were observed in a small number of patients (N=10) that had a one-day, 50% dose...

    • Drug Interactions

    7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • Methadone : Methadone and lofexidine tablets both prolong the QT interval. ECG monitoring is recommended when used concomitantly. ( 7.1 )
  • Oral Naltrexone : Comcomitant use may reduce efficacy of oral naltrexone. ( 7.2 )
  • CYP2D6 Inhibitors : Concomitant use of paroxetine resulted in increased plasma levels of lofexidine tablets. Monitor for symptoms of orthostasis and bradycardia with concomitant use of a CYP2D6 inhibitor. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 Methadone Lofexidine tablet and methadone both prolong the QT interval. ECG monitoring is recommended in patients receiving methadone and lofexidine tablet [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Oral Naltrexone Coadministration of lofexidine tablet and oral naltrexone resulted in statistically significant differences in the steady-state pharmacokinetics of naltrexone. It is possible that oral naltrexone efficacy may be reduced if used concomitantly within 2 hours of lofexidine tablet.This interaction is not expected if naltrexone is administered by non-oral routes [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.3 CNS Depressant Drugs Lofexidine tablet potentiates the CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines and may potentiate the CNS depressant effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of other medications they are taking, including alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. 7.4 CYP2D6 Inhibitor - Paroxetine Coadministration of lofexidine tablet and paroxetine resulted in 28% increase in the extent of absorption of lofexidine tablet. Monitor for orthostatic hypotension and bradycardia when an inhibitor of CYP2D6 is used concomitantly with lofexidine tablet [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

    • Contraindications

    4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None.

    Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The safety of lofexidine tablet in pregnant women has not been established. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of lofexidine during organogenesis to pregnant rats and rabbits caused a reduction in fetal weights, increases in fetal resorptions, and litter loss at exposures below that in humans. When oral lofexidine was administered from the beginning of organogenesis through lactation, increased stillbirths and litter loss were noted along with decreased viability and lactation indicies. The offspring exhibited delays in sexual maturation, auditory startle, and surface righting. These effects occurred at exposures below that in humans [see Animal Data ]. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies carry some risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The background risk of major birth defects in the U.S. general population is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data Increased incidence of resorptions, decreased number of implantations, and a concomitant reduction in the number of fetuses were observed when pregnant rabbits were orally administered lofexidine hydrochloride during organogenesis (from gestation day [GD] 7 to 19) at a daily dose of 5.0 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.08 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] of 2.88 mg lofexidine base on an AUC basis). Maternal toxicity evidenced by increased mortality was noted at the highest tested dose of 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.4 times the MRHD on an AUC basis). Decreased implantations per dam and decreased mean fetal weights were noted in a study in which pregnant rats were treated with oral lofexidine hydrochloride during organogenesis (from GD 7 to 16) at a daily dose of 3.0 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.9 times the MRHD on an AUC basis). This dose was associated with maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain and...

    Overdosage

    10 OVERDOSAGE Overdose with lofexidine tablet may manifest as hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. In the event of acute overdose, perform gastric lavage where appropriate. Dialysis will not remove a substantial portion of the drug. Initiate general symptomatic and supportive measures in cases of overdosage.

    How Supplied

    16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Available as 0.18 mg round, concave-shaped, peach colored, film-coated tablets, debossed with “C” on one side and “71” on other side; approximately 7 mm in diameter. Bottle of 36 tablets……………………NDC 14445-146-36 Bottle of 96 tablets……………………NDC 14445-146-96 Storage Store in original container at controlled room temperature, 25°C (77°F); with excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep lofexidine tablets away from excess heat and moisture both in the pharmacy and after dispensing. Do not remove desiccant packs from bottles until all tablets are used. Keep lofexidine tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.

    About This Information

    This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

    What are side effects?

    Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

    What are drug interactions?

    Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.