Drug interactions
Phenylephrine + Yohimbe
Severity: Moderate
Phenylephrine 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
Yohimbine in yohimbe blocks presynaptic alpha-2 receptors and increases norepinephrine release and sympathetic tone. Combined with phenylephrine this can cause blood pressure surges, tachycardia and anxiety, though yohimbe content in products is variable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenylephrine 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
Additive sympathetic and pressor effects from alpha-2 antagonism with direct alpha-1 agonism.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid yohimbe products while using oral phenylephrine decongestants. Monitor blood pressure if systemic phenylephrine is required.
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 Phenylephrine
- Isocarboxazid + Phenylephrine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Phenylephrine Contraindicated
- Phenylephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Bromocriptine + Phenylephrine Major
- Cocaine + Phenylephrine Major
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Phenylephrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenylephrine with Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenylephrine 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. Yohimbine in yohimbe blocks presynaptic alpha-2 receptors and increases norepinephrine release and sympathetic tone. Combined with phenylephrine this can cause blood pressure surges, tachycardia and anxiety, though yohimbe content in products is variable.
How serious is the interaction between Phenylephrine 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 products while using oral phenylephrine decongestants. Monitor blood pressure if systemic phenylephrine is required.
What other medicines interact with Phenylephrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenylephrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Phenylephrine page.
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