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A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multiple Ascending Dose Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, and Electrocardiographic Effects of Lofexidine When Administered Orally to Methadone Maintained Adult Subjects
The primary objective of this study is to assess QTc (an interval of the heart rhythm) interaction effects between lofexidine and methadone. The secondary objectives of the study are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of lofexidine by evaluating and monitoring pharmacokinetics (amounts of drug in the blood), vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure) and adverse events (side effects) when co-administered with methadone; to describe effects on opiate withdrawal when lofexidine is introduced following a 50% methadone dose reduction, as required to elicit a withdrawal response; and to evaluate the QTc interaction effects of lofexidine compared with placebo. The investigators hypothesize that while both agents (lofexidine and methadone) are known to prolong the QTc interval, the combination of the drugs will not create an additive effect which creates a significant safety concern. The investigators further hypothesize that subjects will be able to tolerate the therapeutic dose of lofexidine (0.8 mg four times daily) when the methadone maintenance dose is lowered to elicit withdrawal.
Details
| Lead sponsor | USWM, LLC (dba US WorldMeds) |
|---|---|
| Phase | Phase 1 |
| Status | COMPLETED |
| Enrolment | 27 |
| Start date | 2012-07 |
| Completion | 2012-12 |
Conditions
- Opioid Dependence
- Methadone Withdrawal Syndrome
Interventions
- Lofexidine HCl
- Lofexidine-matching sugar pill
Primary outcomes
- Changes in QTc Interval — baseline and at each escalating lofexidine dosing plateau day 3 (participant time in the study will vary based on tolerability but each dose plateau will be evaluated after 3 days at any given dose level)
The ECG analysis will be conducted by a central laboratory under blinded review. QTc intervals at baseline (methadone maintenance dose only) will be compared to a time matched profile at each increasing lofexidine dose (as tolerated by the subjects), both before and after a withdrawal response is elicited.
Countries
United States