Kausar Amir, Muhammad Arif, Dhanani Mehar Ali, Nasim Karim, Ahmad Hussain.
The Role of Moxonidine in Treatment of Acute Opioid Abstinence Syndrome.
J Ayub Med Coll Abottabad Nov ;12(4):9-12.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of alpha two agonist, moxonidine in treatment of acute opioid withdrawal syndrome in patients with chronic dependence on opioids. Method: Patients were admitted for 10 days in hospital. No treatment was given during first three days of admission after abrupt termination of opioid to observe- the acute opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms. Then the Moxonidine was given orally to each patient in a dose 0.2 mg once daily from day 4 to day 10 of admission. The intensity of signs and symptoms were recorded by using objective opiate withdrawal scale and modified subjective opiate withdrawal scale respectively. The physiological parameters were also recorded daily throughout the patients stay in hospital. Urine analysis for opioids was done on day 1 and day 10 of admission. Results: Moxonidine significantly decreased the intensity of signs and symptoms of acute opioid withdrawal from day 4 to day 10 of admission. There were no significant variation in physiological parameters. Urine analysis for opioids was positive on day 1 while zero on day 10. Conclusion: Moxonidine was found to be safe and effective for the treatment of acute opioid abstinence syndrome in indoor patients without any significant side effect.

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