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Alpha-2 Agonists

Alpha-2 agonists are used to treat hypertension, opioid dependence, ADHD, and spasticity. They work by lowering blood pressure, reducing hot flashes, and relieving withdrawal symptoms, and controlling impulsive behavior.

Why are alpha 2 agonists prescribed?

  1. Hypertension (57%)
  2. Spasticity (29%)
  3. ADHD (14%)
  4. Glaucoma (0%)
  5. Eye Pressure (0%)
  6. Opioid Dependence (0%)
  7. Eye Inflammation (0%)
  8. Rosacea (0%)
  9. Bipolar Disorder (0%)
  10. Schizophrenia (0%)

Key takeaways

Alpha-2 agonists are used to treat high blood pressure, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and muscle spasticity. They also have other uses, such as treating certain eye conditions and managing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Alpha-2 agonists work by stimulating alpha-2 receptors in your brain, which helps to reduce nerve signals that can cause symptoms. These medications come in different forms, including oral pills and eye drops. Examples include clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay), guanfacine (Intuniv), tizanidine (Zanaflex), and brimonidine (Alphagan P, Lumify). You can choose the form that best fits your needs.

Prices for popular Alpha-2 Agonists medications
Viewing 17 of 17 medications
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Zanaflex (tizanidine)

as low as$13
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is an inexpensive drug used to manage spasticity (unusual tightness, stiffness, or rigidity of muscles). It is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in generic and brand versions. Generic tizanidine is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
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Catapres (clonidine)

as low as$5
Clonidine (Catapres, Catapres-Tts) is used to treat high blood pressure. It is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in multiple generic and brand versions. Generic clonidine is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
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Catapres-Tts (clonidine)

as low as$5
Clonidine (Catapres, Catapres-Tts) is used to treat high blood pressure. It is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in multiple generic and brand versions. Generic clonidine is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
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Intuniv (guanfacine ER)

as low as$13
Intuniv (Guanfacine ER) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions.The most common version of Intuniv is covered by 68% of insurance plans at a co-pay of $60.00-$80.00, however, some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
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guanfacine

as low as$13
GUANFACINE treats high blood pressure. It works by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body.
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methyldopa

as low as$10
METHYLDOPA treats high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do.
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Lumify

as low as$17
BRIMONIDINE relieves eye redness caused by irritation. It works by narrowing blood vessels in your eyes. This reduces swelling and irritation.
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Kapvay (clonidine ER)

as low as$17
Kapvay (Clonidine ER) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is less popular than comparable drugs. There is currently no generic alternative to Kapvay. The most common version of Kapvay is covered by 72% of insurance plans at a co-pay of $60.00-$80.00, however, some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
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Nexiclon XR (clonidine ER)

as low as$17
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Lucemyra (lofexidine)

as low as$116
LOFEXIDINE treats opioid use disorder. It is often used for a short period of time. It works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use opioids. It is most effective when used in combination with counseling and behavior therapy.
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Alphagan P

as low as$192
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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Onyda XR

as low as$392
Onyda XR is only available as a brand name drug.
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dexmedetomidine / sodium chloride

as low as$443
DEXMEDETOMIDINE is used to cause drowsiness before and during a procedure. It works by helping your nervous system calm down.
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Mirvaso

as low as$617
Mirvaso (brimonidine) is used on the face to reduce redness cause by rosacea. Mirvaso is slightly less popular than other alpha agonists. There are currently no generic alternatives to Mirvaso.

GoodRx has partnered with InsideRx and Galderma Pharmaceuticals to reduce the price for this prescription. Check our savings tips for co-pay cards, assistance programs, and other ways to reduce your cost. Mirvaso is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans.
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Iopidine

as low as$678
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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Igalmi

as low as$1,012
DEXMEDETOMIDINE treats symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works by helping your nervous system calm down.
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Lumify Preservative Free

Lumify Preservative Free is only available as a brand name drug.
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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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