Lofexidine in alcohol withdrawal states.

Twenty-eight patients admitted to hospital for alcohol withdrawal were treated with lofexidine, an alpha adrenergic agonist of the imidazole type, in an open trial. Twenty-three patients completed the regime. Symptoms were measured on a scale developed for the study: the Alcohol Withdrawal Rating Scale (AWRS). Scores on this scale fell steeply over three days, more slowly over the subsequent four--the period of the trial. Results are compatible with the hypothesis that alcohol withdrawal states are characterised by increased adrenergic activity.