Naphazoline is a direct acting sympathomimetic adrenergic alpha-agonist used to induce systemic vasoconstriction, thereby decreasing nasal congestion and inducing constriction around the conjunctiva. The sympathomimetic action of Naphazoline constricts the smaller arterioles of the nasal passages, producing a decongesting effect. Naphazoline ophthalmic causes constriction of blood vessels in the eyes. It also decreases itching and irritation of the eyes. aphazoline constricts the vascular system of the conjunctiva. It is presumed that this effect is due to direct stimulation action of the drug upon the alpha adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva resulting in decreased conjunctival congestion. Naphazoline belongs to the imidazoline class of sympathomimetics. Naphazoline is a direct acting sympathomimetic drug, which acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the nasal mucosa. This activates the adrenal system to yield systemic vasoconstrction. In producing vasoconstriction, the result is a decrease in blood flow in the nasal passages and consequently decreased nasal congestion. The vasoconstriction means that there is less pressure in the capillaries and less water can filter out, thus less discharge is made. Naphazoline is primarily indicated in conditions like Corneal vascularity, Hyperaemia, Itching, Nasal congestion, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Sinusitis.

Berefrine (also known as phenylephrine oxazolidine), a prodrug of phenylephrine, is a mydriatic agent. Berefrine was developed for improving ocular absorption and reducing systemic side effects.

Ephedrine (l-form) is an alkaloid, which was initially purified from Ephedra plant. The extract form Ephedra has been used in China for medicinal purposes for several thousand years. Ephedrine acts as an agonist at alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors and indirectly causes the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons. The drug crosses the blood brain barrier and stimulates the central nervous system. Ephedrine products are now banned in many countries, as they are a major source for the production of the addictive compound methamphetamine. FDA has approved ephedrine only for the treatment of clinically important hypotension occurring in the setting of anesthesia.

Clonazoline is an imidazoline sympathomimetic, an alpha-adrenoreceptor agonist. It was used as a nasal decongestant and vasoconstrictor. The drug was marketed in Italy in combination with Fluocinolone under tradename Localyn.

Sunepitron (CP-93,393) is an anxiolytic drug with highly selective serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A autoreceptor agonist, alpha2-adrenergic antagonist, and dopamine D2 agonist properties. Sunepitron hydrochloride had been in Phase III clinical trials by Pfizer for the treatment of anxiety disorder and depression. However, this research has been discontinued.

Tiamenidine (also known as HOE 440) is a diazacycloalkene derivative patented by Farbwerke Hoechst A.-G. as 2 alpha-sympathomimetic antihypertensive agents. In preclinical models, tiamenidine induces hypotension and bradycardia in renal hypertensive cats and rats and in normal rats and dogs. Furthermore, Tiamenidine inhibits the liberation of norepinephrine from nerves leading to the heart and suppress sympathetic circulatory reflexes in dogs. In clinical trials, Tiamenidine exerts favor influences on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and reduces plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels and suppresses plasma renin activity. Unfortunately, during the withdrawal of Tiamenidine, there is a rebound of blood pressure and plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline, overshooting baseline levels.

Azepexole (or previously known as B-HT 933), a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist that was studied for the man with physiological tremor. It was shown that the drug produced sedation compared to placebo but not when compared to pre-treatment values. Some studies also have revealed the anti-tussive and antihypertensive properties of azepexole.

Taprizosin (also known as UK-338,003) is an alpha1A-adrenoceptor antagonist that was developed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, this compound possesses poor oral absorption.