Alpha-2B agonist
Alpha-2B adrenergic receptor agonist
- Peripheral vasoconstriction in skin vasculature
- Contributes to cold-induced vasoconstriction in the skin vasculature
- The subtype that opposes the central hypotensive alpha-2A effect
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 for 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.
Self-check
- Which environmental stimulus recruits alpha-2B-mediated skin vasoconstriction?
Cold. - Which central alpha-2 effect does peripheral alpha-2B activation oppose?
Alpha-2A-mediated hypotension.
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