Drug interactions
Phentolamine + Yohimbe
Severity: Moderate
Phentolamine and Yohimbe: moderate 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 raises sympathetic outflow, whereas phentolamine is a nonselective alpha-blocker. The two have opposing actions, so the effect of phentolamine may be reduced and blood pressure and heart rate may fluctuate unpredictably. The clinical data are limited and the legacy contraindication is not well supported.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phentolamine and Yohimbe can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Yohimbine blocks presynaptic alpha-2 receptors, which increases noradrenaline release and pharmacologically opposes alpha-blockade by phentolamine.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid yohimbe-containing supplements while receiving phentolamine. If the combination cannot be avoided, monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Phentolamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phentolamine with Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phentolamine and Yohimbe can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Yohimbe contains yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist that raises sympathetic outflow, whereas phentolamine is a nonselective alpha-blocker. The two have opposing actions, so the effect of phentolamine may be reduced and blood pressure and heart rate may fluctuate unpredictably. The clinical data are limited and the legacy contraindication is not well supported.
How serious is the interaction between Phentolamine and Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid yohimbe-containing supplements while receiving phentolamine. If the combination cannot be avoided, monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely.
What other medicines interact with Phentolamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phentolamine with, for example, Alfuzosin, Avanafil, Doxazosin. The full list is on the Phentolamine page.
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