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CNS Drugs
Published in: CNS Drugs 1/2009

01-11-2009 | Review Article

Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists in Children with Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness

Author: Lawrence Scahill

Published in: CNS Drugs | Special Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Although originally developed for the treatment of hypertension, α2-agonists have been used to treat Tourette’s syndrome, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental disorders and substance abuse for nearly three decades. Based on studies of clonidine, α2-agonists were presumed to reduce arousal by decreasing the firing of noradrenaline neurons in locus ceruleus. Accumulated preclinical evidence indicates that guanfacine has features in common with clonidine, in addition to other pharmacological effects. Clonidine binds to the three subtypes of α2-receptors, A, B and C, whereas guanfacine binds more selectively to α2A-receptors, which appears to enhance prefrontal function. Several reports on the use of the α2-agonists show improvements in children with ADHD and improvements in hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention in children with tic disorders and pervasive developmental disorders. Both clonidine and guanfacine are associated with sedation, fatigue and somnolence. Reductions in heart rate and blood pressure are modest and rarely lead to discontinuation of treatment across these trials.
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Metadata
Title
Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists in Children with Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness
Author
Lawrence Scahill
Publication date
01-11-2009
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
CNS Drugs / Issue Special Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200923000-00006

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