Lofexidine for Inpatient Opiate Detox

The main objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of lofexidine in reducing withdrawal symptoms among subjects undergoing opiate detoxification. Currently, lofexidine is the most commonly used non-opiate medication for detoxification from opiates in the United Kingdom (UK). There is no non-opiate medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the same indication in the United States (US). The only medications currently approved by the FDA for opiate detoxification are methadone and buprenorphine. These medications, however, have the potential to be abused. Lofexidine, on the other hand, offers a unique advantage for opiate detoxification because it is not addicting, is easy to use, and has a favorable safety profile.