Lofexidine - Oral

Lofexidine helps relieve withdrawal symptoms (e.g. sweating, anxiety, muscle pain, tremors, difficulty sleeping) that may occur when you suddenly stop taking or drastically cut down the use of opioids (strong painkillers).

Take Lofexidine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Do not stop taking Lofexidine suddenly as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart disease
• recent heart attack
• slow heartbeat
• disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
• kidney disease
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Lofexidine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Individuals who are poor metabolisers of CYP2D6 may have higher exposure to this medicine and may experience enhanced side effects (e.g. slow heartbeat, low blood pressure). If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. heart rate, ECG [test used to record the electrical activity of the heart], electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of withdrawal may also be needed.

Lofexidine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Other side effects include any of the following: dry mouth, throat or nose, difficulty sleeping, and ringing in the ears.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• slow or irregular heartbeat
• fainting, lightheadedness

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital
• medicines for anxiety e.g. paroxetine, alprazolam, diazepam
• medicine used in the management of opioid (strong painkiller) dependence e.g. methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Lofexidine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from excess heat and moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.