Alpha-2C agonist
Alpha-2C adrenergic receptor agonist
- Receptors concentrated in striatum and adrenal medulla
- If BBB-crossing: sedation and motor slowing (secondary to alpha-2A)
- Less blood-pressure effect than alpha-2A
- Sedation and motor slowing
- Less blood pressure effect than alpha-2A
Drugs with this mechanism (10)
- Brimonidine — Alpha-2 agonist for glaucoma and rosacea redness.
- Clonidine — Central alpha-2 agonist for hypertension, ADHD and withdrawal; sedation and rebound.
- Clonidine ER — Extended-release central alpha-2 agonist for ADHD; sedation and rebound hypertension limit it.
- Dexmedetomidine — Alpha-2 agonist sedative giving cooperative sedation without respiratory depression.
- Dexmedetomidine sublingual — Sublingual dexmedetomidine film for acute agitation in schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
- Guanabenz — Central alpha-2 agonist antihypertensive, now rare.
- Norepinephrine — Endogenous catecholamine; the first-line vasopressor for shock.
- Clonidine ER suspension — Extended-release clonidine liquid for ADHD; sedation and rebound hypertension shape use.
- Tizanidine — Short-acting alpha-2 agonist for spasticity; hypotension and CYP1A2 interactions.
- Xylazine — Veterinary alpha-2 sedative ("tranq") now adulterating street fentanyl.
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