title: Selectivity of site of action and systemic effects of topical alpha agonists.
abstract: Clonidine hydrochloride, apraclonidine hydrochloride, and brimonidine tartrate constitute the three topical alpha agonists that are used in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure. All the alpha agonists have prejunctional (alpha 2) as well as postjunctional (alpha 1) effects. Within the past year, questions have arisen about their local and systemic effects, and their effects upon the optic nerve. We will, therefore, attempt to clarify these points, to provide a greater understanding of the role of alpha agonists in glaucoma therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21209, USA.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Robin
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Burnstein
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000187:drug effects; D011810:Quinoxalines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D016896:Treatment Outcome