Levonordefrin

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** The levoisomer of nordefrin, a synthetic catecholamine and norepinephrine derivative with sympathomimetic and antihypertensive effects. Levonordefrin's antihypertensive effect is exerted through activation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the cardiovascular control center of the CNS thereby suppressing the sympathetic output from the brain and subsequently lowering blood pressure. Levonordefrin binds to and activates peripheral alpha 2- adrenergic receptors, thereby causing vasoconstriction.

**Synonyms:** - (-)-alpha-(1-Aminoethyl)-3,4-dihydroxybenzyl Alcohol - 1,2-Benzenediol, 4-(2-amino-1-hydroxypropyl)-,(R-(R*,S*))- - LEVONORDEFRIN - Neo-Cobefrin