Another trial that failed

Abstract

A double-blind comparison of clonidine and lofexidine in the management of the opioid withdrawal syndrome encountered several difficulties of a non-scientific nature which eventually forced termination of the trial. There were, for example, problems with research beds, self-discharges, staff attitudes, access to haematological monitoring, and worries about exposure to staff to human immunodeficiency virus. The trial collapsed when the manufacturers stopped making lofexidine on commercial grounds and the charitable foundation which was backing the trial withdrew its support. Some of the insecurities of medical research may have little to do with scientific merit.