Antihypertensive effects of lofexidine in patients with essential hypertension

1 Single oral doses of lofexidine, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.6 mg produced dose related decreases in supine and standing arterial pressure and heart rate in nineteen patients with essential hypertension. 2 A mean oral antihypertensive threshold dose of less than 0.1 mg was estimated. 3 Lofexidine decreased mean urinary noradrenaline excretion 28% and caused significant retention of sodium and water. 4 The most prominent side effects were sedation and orthostatic dizziness. 5 Lofexidine is pharmacologically similar to, but apparently less potent than clonidine as an antihypertensive agent.