cirazoline

Cirazoline is a small molecule experimental drug that acts as an adrenergic receptor modulator. It is a full agonist at the alpha-1A adrenergic receptor, a partial agonist at both the alpha-1B and alpha-1D adrenergic receptors, and a nonselective antagonist of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor[1][2][4]. This unique combination of activities makes cirazoline an effective vasoconstricting agent. In preclinical studies, it has been shown to decrease food intake in rats—likely through activation of alpha-1 adrenoceptors in the hypothalamus—and to affect cognitive functions such as spatial memory in primates[2][6]. Cirazoline also exhibits high affinity for imidazoline receptors and demonstrates good brain penetrance when administered systemically[6]. Cirazoline is primarily used as a research tool rather than for clinical use. It has not been approved for therapeutic indications in humans but is widely utilized to study vascular function, appetite regulation, and neuropharmacology due to its selective activity on multiple adrenoceptor subtypes.

Other names

cirazoline hydrochloride