Clonidine is an antihypertensive agent that acts as an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist that decreases peripheral vascular resistance by centrally inhibiting sympathetic nerve activity.  The antihypertensive effects of clonidine have also been attributed to its agonism of the imidazoline (I1) receptor (Ki = 4-8 nM). Also acts as an mTOR-independent autophagy enhancer.