Lofexidine hydrochloride is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that is used for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. It was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 under the brand name Lucemyra. Lofexidine hydrochloride is a non-opioid medication that helps to reduce the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, agitation, insomnia, and sweating. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of lofexidine hydrochloride, including its method of synthesis or extraction, chemical structure and biological activity, biological effects, applications, and future perspectives and challenges.
Lofexidine hydrochloride is synthesized by reacting 2,6-dichlorobenzyl chloride with 2,6-dimethylaniline in the presence of sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate. The resulting product is then treated with hydrochloric acid to obtain lofexidine hydrochloride. The yield of this method is reported to be around 60%, and the process is relatively simple and efficient. However, the use of sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate can have environmental and safety considerations, as they are corrosive and can cause skin and eye irritation.
Chemical Structure and Biological Activity
Lofexidine hydrochloride has a chemical formula of C11H12Cl2N2 and a molecular weight of 266.13 g/mol. Its chemical structure consists of a benzyl group attached to a dimethylamino group, with two chlorine atoms on the benzyl ring. Lofexidine hydrochloride acts as a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, which means that it binds to and activates the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to a decrease in the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the stress response. By reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, lofexidine hydrochloride helps to alleviate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Biological Effects
Lofexidine hydrochloride has been shown to have various biological effects on cell function and signal transduction. It has been reported to inhibit the release of norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, from presynaptic neurons. This leads to a decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity and an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity, which helps to reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Lofexidine hydrochloride has also been shown to have potential therapeutic and toxic effects, depending on the dose and duration of treatment. At therapeutic doses, it can help to reduce the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms without causing significant adverse effects. However, at higher doses, it can cause sedation, hypotension, and bradycardia, which can be potentially harmful.
Applications
Lofexidine hydrochloride has various applications in medical, environmental, and industrial research. In medical research, it is used for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms and has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of these symptoms. It has also been studied for its potential role in drug development, particularly in the development of new treatments for opioid addiction. Clinical trials have shown that lofexidine hydrochloride can help to improve the outcomes of opioid detoxification and reduce the risk of relapse. However, it is important to note that lofexidine hydrochloride should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and other supportive measures. In environmental research, lofexidine hydrochloride has been studied for its effects on ecosystems and its role in pollution management. It has been shown to have low toxicity to aquatic organisms and can be used as a potential tool for the management of pollution in water bodies. However, more research is needed to fully understand its environmental impact and sustainability. In industrial research, lofexidine hydrochloride is used in manufacturing processes to improve product quality and efficiency. It is also important to consider health and safety considerations when using lofexidine hydrochloride in industrial settings, as it can be potentially harmful if not handled properly.
Future Perspectives and Challenges
Despite the potential benefits of lofexidine hydrochloride, there are still some limitations in its use and study. For example, there is a lack of long-term data on the safety and efficacy of lofexidine hydrochloride, particularly in special populations such as pregnant women and children. There is also a need for more research on the optimal dosing and duration of treatment with lofexidine hydrochloride. Possible solutions and improvements include the development of new formulations and delivery methods that can improve the bioavailability and efficacy of lofexidine hydrochloride. Future trends and prospects in the application of lofexidine hydrochloride in scientific research include the development of new treatments for opioid addiction and the exploration of its potential use in other conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Lofexidine hydrochloride is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that is used for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. It has various applications in medical, environmental, and industrial research, and has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, more research is needed to fully understand its safety and efficacy, and to explore its potential use in other conditions.
Product FAQ
Q1: How Can I Obtain a Quote for a Product I'm Interested In?
To receive a quotation, send us an inquiry about the desired product.
The quote will cover pack size options, pricing, and availability details.
If applicable, estimated lead times for custom synthesis or sourcing will be provided.
Quotations are valid for 30 days, unless specified otherwise.
Q2: What Are the Payment Terms for Ordering Products?
New customers generally require full prepayment.
NET 30 payment terms can be arranged for customers with established credit.
Contact our customer service to set up a credit account for NET 30 terms.
We accept purchase orders (POs) from universities, research institutions, and government agencies.
Q3: Which Payment Methods Are Accepted?
Preferred methods include bank transfers (ACH/wire) and credit cards.
Request a proforma invoice for bank transfer details.
For credit card payments, ask sales representatives for a secure payment link.
Checks aren't accepted as prepayment, but they can be used for post-payment on NET 30 orders.
Q4: How Do I Place and Confirm an Order?
Orders are confirmed upon receiving official order requests.
Provide full prepayment or submit purchase orders for credit account customers.
Send purchase orders to sales@thebiotek.com.
A confirmation email with estimated shipping date follows processing.
Q5: What's the Shipping and Delivery Process Like?
Our standard shipping partner is FedEx (Standard Overnight, 2Day, FedEx International Priority), unless otherwise agreed.
You can use your FedEx account; specify this on the purchase order or inform customer service.
Customers are responsible for customs duties and taxes on international shipments.
Q6: How Can I Get Assistance During the Ordering Process?
Reach out to our customer service representatives at sales@thebiotek.com.
For ongoing order updates or questions, continue using the same email.
Remember, we're here to help! Feel free to contact us for any queries or further assistance.
Quick Inquiry
Note: Kindly utilize formal channels such as professional, corporate, academic emails, etc., for inquiries. The use of personal email for inquiries is not advised.
Lofexidine is a medication used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that works by reducing the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the body's stress response. Lofexidine was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms in adults.
7-Propyl spirolactone is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of spirolactones. It is a cyclic organic compound that contains a spirolactone ring and a propyl group attached to it. This compound has gained significant attention in the scientific community due to its potential therapeutic and environmental applications.
Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid mediator that plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes. It is a phospholipid-derived molecule that is synthesized by various cells, including platelets, leukocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. PAF is involved in a wide range of biological activities, including inflammation, immune response, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. We will also highlight the future perspectives and challenges in the use and study of PAF.
N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, also known as menthol derivative WS-23, is a synthetic cooling agent that is widely used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is a white crystalline powder with a minty odor and taste. WS-23 is a popular alternative to menthol due to its stronger cooling effect, longer-lasting sensation, and lack of bitterness.
3-Methyl-3-propylcyclopropane-1,1,2,2-tetracarbonitrile is a chemical compound that belongs to the family of cyclopropane derivatives. It is commonly used in medical, environmental, and industrial research due to its unique chemical structure and biological activity.
Selective mGlu1 antagonist (Ki = 13 nM). Inhibits mGlu1-mediated inositol phosphate production in rat cerebellar granule cells (IC50 = 13 nM). Displays antinociceptive and analgesic effects in vitro; exhibits no significant sedative effect on locomotor activity.
N-[2,6-Bis(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-N'-[4-[(4-nitrophenyl)thio]phenyl]urea, also known as BAY 43-9006 or Sorafenib, is a small molecule drug that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is a multi-kinase inhibitor that targets several signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis.
Edelfosine is a synthetic alkyl-lysophospholipid that has been extensively studied for its potential therapeutic applications in various diseases, including cancer, parasitic infections, and autoimmune disorders. It was first synthesized in the 1980s and has since been the subject of numerous studies investigating its chemical structure, biological activity, and potential clinical applications.