FDA pharmacologic class
Central alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
5 medicines are in FDA's class of central alpha-2 adrenergic agonists: tizanidine (Zanaflex), clonidine (Catapres-Tts), guanfacine (Intuniv), dexmedetomidine (Precedex) and methyldopa. All 5 are listed from generic labelers (FDA NDC Directory, October 8, 2026). The lowest pharmacy cost is clonidine hcl 0.1 mg tablet at $0.0241 per tablet (NADAC).
Which medicines are central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist?
| Medicine | Brand names | Generic labelers (all forms) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage | Recalls since 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tizanidine | Zanaflex, Ontralfy | 49 labelers | $0.0331 per tablet 4 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 9 |
| Clonidine | Catapres-Tts, Qlonilik, Javadin | 43 labelers | $0.0241 per tablet 0.1 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 16 |
| Guanfacine | Intuniv | 36 labelers | $0.147 per tablet 1 mg tablet | No | A presentation being discontinued | 1 |
| Dexmedetomidine | Precedex, Igalmi | 23 labelers | n/a | No | In shortage | 1 |
| Methyldopa | none listed | 1 labeler | n/a | No | No current entry | 1 |
Source: FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (NDC Directory, openFDA); CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA shortages and recalls (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay?
Each medicine's most widely listed form, per unit, in the NADAC survey: what pharmacies paid, not what a patient pays; strengths differ, so compare like with like.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price