Lofexidine tablets

What is this medicine?

LOFEXIDINE (Lo FEX i deen) is a medicine used to treat certain withdrawal symptoms in people with an addiction to narcotics (opiates).

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine because you may develop a dangerous increase in blood pressure. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded falls; breathing problems

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• slow heart rate

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• ringing in the ears

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride

• dofetilide

• dronedarone

• pimozide

• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

• certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine

• certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone

• general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• methadone

• naltrexone

• narcotic medicines for pain

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (77 and 86 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container. Keep away from heat and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease

• history of irregular or slow heartbeat

• history of lightheadedness, fainting spells

• history of stroke

• if you drink alcohol

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• long QT syndrome

• low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in the blood

• low blood pressure

• an unusual or allergic reaction to lofexidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional regularly. For this medicine to be most effective you should attend any counseling or support groups that your doctor or health care professional recommends.

You may become more sensitive to narcotics after a period of not using them. This may increase your risk of overdose and death if you start using them again.

Be alert for any symptoms of low blood pressure or slow heart rate, such as dizziness and feeling faint or lightheaded at rest or after standing quickly from a sitting or lying position. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated, which may increase the risk for low blood pressure and fainting. If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure or slow heart rate, do not take your next dose of this medicine until you have talked to your healthcare provider.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness.