Drug interactions
Clonidine + Yohimbe
Severity: Major
Clonidine and Yohimbe: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Yohimbe contains yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist that opposes clonidine's central alpha-2 agonist action. This can blunt the blood pressure lowering effect and may provoke hypertension, tachycardia and anxiety.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Yohimbe can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 adrenoceptors, pharmacodynamically antagonizing clonidine.
What to do
Avoid yohimbe in patients taking clonidine. Monitor blood pressure if exposure has occurred.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Clonidine
- Acebutolol + Clonidine Major
- Amifostine + Clonidine Major
- Amiodarone + Clonidine Major
- Amoxapine + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonidine with Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonidine and Yohimbe can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Yohimbe contains yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist that opposes clonidine's central alpha-2 agonist action. This can blunt the blood pressure lowering effect and may provoke hypertension, tachycardia and anxiety.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid yohimbe in patients taking clonidine. Monitor blood pressure if exposure has occurred.
What other medicines interact with Clonidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonidine with, for example, Acebutolol, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Clonidine page.
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