Drug interactions
Phenylephrine + Yohimbine
Severity: Moderate
Phenylephrine and Yohimbine: 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 is an alpha2-antagonist that increases noradrenergic outflow and can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Combined with the pressor effect of phenylephrine, this may cause additive hypertension, tachycardia and anxiety.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenylephrine and Yohimbine 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 adrenergic effects, with yohimbine increasing norepinephrine release via alpha2-blockade and phenylephrine directly stimulating alpha1-receptors.
What to do
Avoid combining yohimbine with phenylephrine decongestants where possible. If used together, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
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 Yohimbine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenylephrine and Yohimbine 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 is an alpha2-antagonist that increases noradrenergic outflow and can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Combined with the pressor effect of phenylephrine, this may cause additive hypertension, tachycardia and anxiety.
How serious is the interaction between Phenylephrine and Yohimbine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining yohimbine with phenylephrine decongestants where possible. If used together, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
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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