An aromatic ether that is 1,4-dimethoxybenzene which is substituted at position 2 by a 2-(glycylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl group. A direct-acting sympathomimetic with selective alpha-adrenergic agonist activity, it is used (generally as its hydrochloride salt) as a peripheral vasoconstrictor in the treatment of certain hypotensive states. The main active moiety is its major metabolite, deglymidodrine.