Skip to main content

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 (34%)
  2. Eye Pressure (34%)
  3. Hypotension (24%)
  4. Nasal Congestion (6%)
  5. Rosacea (1%)
  6. Pupil Dilation (1%)
  7. Droopy Eyelid (0%)
  8. Allergic Conjunctivitis (0%)
  9. Eye Inflammation (0%)
  10. Hypertension (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
eye-dropper icon

brimonidine

as low as$9
View otherAlpha-2 Agonists
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.
See pricesMore info
tablet icon

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.
See pricesMore info
tablet icon

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.
See pricesMore info
tablet icon

Sudafed PE (phenylephrine PE)

as low as$4
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.
See pricesMore info
nasal-spray icon

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.
See pricesMore info
nasal-spray icon

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.
See pricesMore info
capsule icon

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.
See pricesMore info
vial icon

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.
See pricesMore info
vial icon

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.
See pricesMore info
tablet icon

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.
See pricesMore info
eye-dropper icon

apraclonidine

as low as$20
View otherAlpha-2 Agonists
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.
See pricesMore info
vial icon

Akovaz (ephedrine)

as low as$28
EPHEDRINE is used to treat low blood pressure in patients who receive anesthesia during surgery.
See pricesMore info
vial icon

Corphedra (ephedrine)

as low as$28
Corphedra is only available as a brand name drug.
See pricesMore info
ampule icon

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.
See pricesMore info
vial icon

Rezipres

as low as$44
Rezipres is only available as a brand name drug.
See prices
Exclusive manufacturer discount
tube-of-cream icon

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.
See pricesMore info
syringe icon

Emerphed

as low as$186
EPHEDRINE is used to treat low blood pressure in patients who receive anesthesia during surgery.
See pricesMore info
carton icon

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.
See pricesMore info
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.

Subscribe and save

Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up

By signing up, I agree to GoodRx’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

Compare other Alpha-1 Agonists drugs

Travatan vs BrimonidineXalatan vs BrimonidineZioptan vs BrimonidineAzopt vs TravatanLumigan vs Travatan

Latest Articles

Health: Allergies: GettyImages-1267282771

Sudafed and Zyrtec: Can You Take Them Together?

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACPUpdated on Mar 12, 2025
alpha-1 agonists: man with sinus headache 1392295135

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

Kristine Foley, PharmDPublished on Nov 3, 2023

Browse medications

View All
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ