Yohimbine toxicity
Background
- Indole alkylamine from West African Yohimbine tree (Corynanthe yohimbe)
- Is a plant species in the family Rubiaceae native to western and central Africa (Nigeria, Cabinda, Cameroon, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea)
- Extracts from yohimbe have been used in traditional medicine in West Africa as an aphrodisiac and have been marketed in developed countries as dietary supplements.
- α2-adrenergic antagonist with cholinergic activity[1]
- Commonly used for treating erectile dysfunction. Also, for other uses (eg, postural hypotension); marketed as athletic performance enhancers, dieting agent.
- Can be obtained via prescription.
Clinical Features[2]
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Mydriasis
- Nausea, vomiting, salivation
- Anxiety
- Large ingestions may cause mania, bronchospasm, lupus-like syndrome
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
Management
Avoid β-Adrenergic antagonists - may lead to unopposed α1-adrenergic activity → ↑ hypertension
- Symptomatic patients:
- Benzodiazepines for agitation/anxiety/sympathomimetic effects
Disposition
See Also
External Links
References
- ↑ Chu J. Genitourinary Principles. In: Hoffman RS, Howland M, Lewin NA, Nelson LS, Goldfrank LR. eds. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 10e New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2015.
- ↑ Chu J. Genitourinary Principles. In: Hoffman RS, Howland M, Lewin NA, Nelson LS, Goldfrank LR. eds. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 10e New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2015.