Alpha2-agonists as analgesic agents.

Article Details

Citation

Giovannoni MP, Ghelardini C, Vergelli C, Dal Piaz V

Alpha2-agonists as analgesic agents.

Med Res Rev. 2009 Mar;29(2):339-68. doi: 10.1002/med.20134.

PubMed ID
18680204 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

It is well known that norepinephrine is involved in the control of pain by modulating pain-related responses through various pathways. alpha(2)-Adrenergic agonists have a well-established analgesic profile and, in the recent years, have found a wider application, in particular as adjunct to anesthetics and analgesics in perioperative settings. This review analyzes the alpha(2)-agonists currently in clinical use, starting from the prototype Clonidine, as well as the most promising and studied molecules. In addition, an overview of the imidazoles, imidazolines, and hydroxyethyl-thioureas derivatives published in both the open and patented literature is presented, providing chemical description and pharmacological data. Finally, the most commonly alpha(2)-agonists used in veterinary medicine are described.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
DroxidopaAlpha-2A adrenergic receptorProteinHumans
Yes
Agonist
Details
DroxidopaAlpha-2B adrenergic receptorProteinHumans
Yes
Agonist
Details
DroxidopaAlpha-2C adrenergic receptorProteinHumans
Yes
Agonist
Details
EpinephrineAlpha-2A adrenergic receptorProteinHumans
Yes
Agonist
Details
NorepinephrineAlpha-2A adrenergic receptorProteinHumans
Yes
Agonist
Details