The relationship between alpha 2-adrenoceptor selectivity and anticonvulsant effect in a series of clonidine-like drugs.

Clonidine and the 4 clonidine-like drugs: 44-549, lofexidine, guanfacine, and CP-14,304-18, had anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions in rats. The magnitude and dose range over which anticonvulsant effects were observed was related to the selectivity of the compounds for alpha 2 and alpha 1 adrenoceptors. Selective alpha 2 adrenoceptor agonists may form a new group of anticonvulsants.