What Is Lofexidine? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Lofexidine (brand name Lucemyra) made history in May 2018 when it became the first non-opioid medication specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. It filled a significant clinical gap — offering a non-addictive, non-scheduled option for the millions of Americans facing the challenges of opioid withdrawal.

What Is Lofexidine Used For?

Lofexidine is FDA-approved for a single, specific indication: to help manage (mitigate) opioid withdrawal symptoms in adults when opioids are stopped abruptly. It is used during the acute withdrawal phase — typically the first 5-14 days after stopping a short-acting opioid.

Lofexidine can reduce the severity of many physical withdrawal symptoms, including:

Muscle aches and body pains

Stomach cramps and gastrointestinal upset

Chills and cold sweats

Heart pounding (palpitations)

Muscular tension

Yawning and runny eyes

Nausea and vomiting

Important: Lofexidine will not completely eliminate withdrawal symptoms, and it is NOT a treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) itself. It does not treat cravings or the psychological aspects of addiction. It is a short-term tool for managing the acute physical phase of withdrawal.

Brand Name vs. Generic: Lucemyra vs. Lofexidine

Lofexidine is the generic name (the active chemical ingredient). Lucemyra is the brand name, currently manufactured by BioCorRx Pharmaceuticals, which acquired it from US WorldMeds in March 2025. Generic lofexidine 0.18 mg tablets are also available and contain the same active ingredient at potentially lower cost.

Lofexidine Dosage: How to Take It

Lofexidine comes only as a 0.18 mg oral tablet. The standard dosing regimen is:

Starting dose: 3 tablets (0.54 mg) taken four times daily at 5-6 hour intervals during peak withdrawal symptoms

Maximum per dose: 4 tablets (0.72 mg) per dose

Maximum daily dose: 16 tablets (2.88 mg) per day

Duration: Up to 14 days, typically concentrated in the first 5-7 days when symptoms are most severe

Tapering: Do NOT stop abruptly. Reduce by 1 tablet per dose every 1-2 days over 2-4 days to avoid rebound high blood pressure.

With food: Can be taken with or without food

Is Lofexidine a Controlled Substance?

No. Lofexidine is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It has a low potential for abuse because it doesn't act on opioid receptors. This is one of its major advantages — any licensed prescriber (doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) can write a prescription, and it can be dispensed at any retail pharmacy.

Who Should NOT Take Lofexidine?

Lofexidine has not been studied in children or adolescents, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or patients over age 65. Use with caution is also recommended for patients with:

Severe cardiovascular disease, recent heart attack, or stroke

Known QT prolongation or family history of sudden cardiac death

Severe renal or hepatic impairment (dose adjustment required)

How Does Lofexidine Fit Into a Broader Treatment Plan?

Lofexidine is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling, behavioral therapy, and support services. It is particularly valuable as a bridge for patients who plan to start extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol), which requires 7-10 days of opioid-free status before initiation. By managing withdrawal symptoms with a non-opioid approach, lofexidine helps patients get through the withdrawal phase without reintroducing opioid activity.

Finding Lofexidine at a Pharmacy

Lofexidine is not stocked at all retail pharmacies. If your local pharmacy doesn't have it, use medfinder to find nearby pharmacies with it in stock. You enter your medication name, dosage, and zip code, and medfinder contacts pharmacies on your behalf and texts you the results.

Want to understand the science? Read: How does lofexidine work? Mechanism of action explained in plain English.