Lofexidine
Lofexidine
Lofexidine (pronounced loh-FEX-ih-deen) is a non-opioid medication primarily used to manage the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that works by reducing the release of norepinephrine in the brain, which is believed to play a key role in many opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Etymology
The term "Lofexidine" is derived from its chemical name, N-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amine. The prefix "Lo" is likely derived from the first two letters of the developer's name, Lothar Bock, a German chemist who first synthesized the drug in the 1970s. The "fex" part of the name is a common suffix used in the names of drugs that affect the nervous system, and "idine" is a common ending for drugs that contain an imidazole ring in their chemical structure.
Related Terms
- Opioid withdrawal: A group of symptoms that occur after stopping or decreasing the use of opioids.
- Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist: A class of drugs that stimulate alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, leading to a variety of effects.
- Norepinephrine: A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the body's "fight or flight" response.
See Also
- Clonidine: Another alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that is often used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
- Opioid Use Disorder: A medical condition characterized by a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lofexidine
- Wikipedia's article - Lofexidine
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