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Alpha-1 Agonists

Alpha-1 agonists are used to treat a variety of conditions such as hypotension, nasal congestion, droopy eyelid, and rosacea. They work by tightening your blood vessels to raise your blood pressure, reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, and causing the skin to become less red.

Why are alpha 1 agonists prescribed?

  1. Glaucoma (35%)
  2. Eye Pressure (34%)
  3. Hypotension (24%)
  4. Nasal Congestion (5%)
  5. Rosacea (1%)
  6. Pupil Dilation (1%)
  7. Droopy Eyelid (0%)

Key takeaways

Alpha-1 agonists are used to treat conditions like nasal congestion and low blood pressure. They also have other uses, such as managing facial redness and eye redness. These medications work by stimulating alpha-1 receptors, which cause blood vessels to constrict. This leads to increased blood pressure and reduced swelling. Alpha-1 agonists come in different forms, including oral pills, eye drops, and nasal sprays. Examples include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), and oxymetazoline (Afrin). You can choose the form that best fits your needs.

Prices for popular Alpha-1 Agonists medications
Viewing 18 of 18 medications
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brimonidine

as low as$9
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BRIMONIDINE treats conditions with increased pressure of the eye, such as glaucoma. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye, which helps lower eye pressure.
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midodrine

as low as$22
MIDODRINE reduces the symptoms of low blood pressure caused by a changing position or standing. It works by narrowing your blood vessels, which helps increase your blood pressure. This reduces episodes of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
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phenylephrine non-prescription

as low as$5
PHENYLEPHRINE treats a runny or stuffy nose. It may also be used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. It works by decreasing swelling in the nose, making it easier to breathe. It belongs to a group of medications called decongestants.
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Afrin (oxymetazoline)

as low as$5
OXYMETAZOLINE treats a runny or stuffy nose. It may also be used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. It is often used for a short period of time. It works by decreasing swelling in the nose, making it easier to breathe. It belongs to a group of medications called decongestants.
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Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

as low as$6
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is an alpha agonist used to treat nasal congestion and sinus pressure. It works by restricting the blood vessels in the nose and sinuses. Sudafed doesn't require a prescription, but there are restrictions on its purchase and it is only available at the pharmacy counter. Generic pseudoephedrine is available, and Sudafed PE is another over-the-counter alternative with a different active ingredient (phenylephrine) that has no restrictions.
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Sudafed PE (phenylephrine PE)

as low as$6
PHENYLEPHRINE treats a runny or stuffy nose. It may also be used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. It works by decreasing swelling in the nose, making it easier to breathe. It belongs to a group of medications called decongestants.
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Zephrex-D

as low as$6
PSEUDOEPHEDRINE treats a runny or stuffy nose. It may also be used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. It works by decreasing swelling in the nose, making it easier to breathe. It belongs to a group of medications called decongestants.
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Immphentiv (phenylephrine)

as low as$11
PHENYLEPHRINE can treat a variety of conditions. It is often used during surgery. This medicine may used to treat very low blood pressure or serious heart problems such as irregular heartbeat.\n \nThis medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Vazculep (phenylephrine)

as low as$11
PHENYLEPHRINE can treat a variety of conditions. It is often used during surgery. This medicine may used to treat very low blood pressure or serious heart problems such as irregular heartbeat.\n \nThis medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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sudogest

as low as$17
PSEUDOEPHEDRINE treats a runny or stuffy nose. It may also be used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. It works by decreasing swelling in the nose, making it easier to breathe. It belongs to a group of medications called decongestants.
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apraclonidine

as low as$20
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APRACLONIDINE prevents and treats increased pressure of the eye after an eye procedure. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye, which helps lower eye pressure.
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Akovaz (ephedrine)

as low as$28
EPHEDRINE is used to treat low blood pressure in patients who receive anesthesia during surgery.
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Corphedra (ephedrine)

as low as$28
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Biorphen

as low as$35
PHENYLEPHRINE can treat a variety of conditions. It is often used during surgery. This medicine may used to treat very low blood pressure or serious heart problems such as irregular heartbeat.\n \nThis medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Rezipres

as low as$44
Rezipres is only available as a brand name drug.
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Exclusive manufacturer discount
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Rhofade

as low as$150
Rhofade (oxymetazoline) is used on the skin to treat facial redness caused by rosacea. Rhofade is slighty more popular than other alpha agonists. There are currently no generic alternatives to Rhofade.

GoodRx has partnered with Inside RX and EPI Health to reduce the price for this prescription. Check our savings tips for co-pay cards, assistance programs, and other ways to reduce your cost. Rhofade is covered by some Medicare and insurance plans.
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Emerphed

as low as$186
EPHEDRINE is used to treat low blood pressure in patients who receive anesthesia during surgery.
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Upneeq

as low as$206
OXYMETAZOLINE treats a condition that causes drooping upper eyelids. It works by helping muscles in the eyelid tighten, which lifts the eyelid.
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Disclaimer: Popularity is based on total prescriptions for the brand and generic versions of each drug, regardless of the condition being treated. Some drugs are prescribed for multiple conditions.

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Latest Articles

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Sudafed and Zyrtec: Can You Take Them Together?

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Afrin vs. Sudafed: 6 Differences Between These 2 Nasal Decongestants

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