Both clonidine and guanfacine are centrally acting alpha 2-adrenergic agonists
Alpha 2-adrenergic agonists have agonist effects on presynaptic 2- adrenergic autoreceptors, resulting (through negative feedback) in decreased release of norepinephrine (NE), especially in the locus ceruleus and prefrontal cortex
Clonidine binds to all three alpha 2-adrenergic receptor subtypes (2A, 2B, 2C) and other receptors (a1- and beta- adrenergic, histamine, imidazoline)
Guanfacine binds more selectively to the alpha 2A receptor.[1]
Indications
Within child and adolescent psychiatry, there are indications for: