Detoxydine

Indication: Investigated for use/treatment in addictions and substance abuse. Pharmacodynamics Lofexidine is an orally active imidazoline adrenergic alpha-2-receptor agonist- and is believed to have a high affinity for 2A receptor subtypes resulting in less anti-hypertensive activity than clonidine, a non-selective alpha-2-receptor agonist. Hypotension may occur in susceptible subjects, accompanied by a decrease in heart rate. Abrupt discontinuation of lofexidine has been, in some cases, associated with a transient increase in blood pressure to higher than pre-treatment levels. It selectively stimulates receptors in the brain that monitor catecholamine levels in the blood. These receptors close a negative feedback loop that begins with descending sympathetic nerves from the brain that control the production of catecholamines (epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, and norepinephrine) in the adrenal medulla. By fooling the brain into believing that catecholamine levels are higher than