Question

Which of the following drug is alpha 2 agonist?

• A. Apraclonidine
• B. Timolol
• C. PG analogues
• D. Verampamil

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In pharmacology, an alpha-2 agonist is a type of drug that specifically targets the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system. These receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system and blood vessels. When activated, alpha-2 receptors inhibit the release of norepinephrine, leading to a decrease in sympathetic outflow and resulting in various physiological effects like lowering blood pressure, reducing intraocular pressure, and more.

Among the given options:

• Apraclonidine: This is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used primarily in ophthalmology to lower intraocular pressure in the treatment of glaucoma and after certain eye surgeries. Its mechanism involves reducing aqueous humor production and enhancing uveoscleral outflow, both of which are mediated by alpha-2 receptor activation.
• Timolol: A beta-blocker used in treating high blood pressure and glaucoma. It does not act on alpha-2 receptors.
• PG analogues (Prostaglandin analogues): Primarily used in the treatment of glaucoma, but they work by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor through the uveoscleral pathway, not by alpha-2 agonism.
• Verampamil: A calcium channel blocker used mainly to treat hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias. It does not target alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.

Considering these descriptions, Apraclonidine is the correct answer as it is the only drug among the options that functions as an alpha-2 agonist.