Methods and compositions for modulating alpha adrenergic receptor activity

A method of treating a condition selected from the group consisting of glaucoma, ocular hypertension, hyperemia, conjunctivitis, uveitis, and chronic pain in a mammal in need thereof with little or no accompanying cardiovascular depression or sedation comprising the step:

• administering to said patient a therapeutically effective dose of a composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the formula:
• wherein R1 and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F, I, Br, C1-3 alkyl, C1-3 alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, hydroxyl and H, R2 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F, I, Br, C1-3 alkyl, C1-3 alkoxy, hydroxyl, trifluoromethyl and H, and R3 is selected from the group consisting of F and H;
• and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, wherein said compound is at least 10-fold less active at the alpha 2A receptor than at the alpha 2B and/or 2C receptors, and wherein the compound is not represented by the formula: