Abstract
Extracts of the bark of the central African treePausinystalia yohimbe contain yohimbine, an indole alkaloid, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction. The reported side effects of over-the-counter preparations of yohimbine include gastrointestinal upset, anxiety, increased blood pressure, headache, agitation, rash, tachycardia, and frequent urination. In this report, we describe a severe case of intractable priapism associated with the ingestion of yohimbe extract. Management required insertion of a proximal cavernosal spongiosum shunt (Quackles shunt) in the operating room.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Guay AT, Spark RF, Jacobson, J, et al. Yohimbe treatment of organic erectile dysfunction in a dose-escalation trial.Int J Impot Res. 2002;14:25–31.
Morales A. Yohimbe in erectile dysfunction: the facts.Int J Impot Res. 2000;12(suppl 1):S70-S74.
McKay D. Nutrients and botanicals for erectile dysfunction: examining the evidence.Altern Med Rev. 2004;9:4–16.
Ernst E, Pittler MH. Yohimbe for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.J Urol. 1998;159:433–436.
Hatzichristou DG, Pescatori ES. Current treatments and emerging therapeutic approaches in male erectile dysfunction.BJU Int. 2001;88(suppl 3):11–17.
Adeniyi AA, Brindley GS, Pryor JP, et al. Yohimbe in the treatment of orgasmic dysfunction.Asian J Androl. 2007; 9:403–407.
Tam SW, Worcel m, Michael W. Yohimbine: a clinical review.Pharmacol Ther. 2001;91:215–243.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Notes: There was no outside funding of any kind used for this study
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Myers, A., Barrueto, F. Refractory priapism associated with ingestion of yohimbe extract. J. Med. Toxicol. 5, 223–225 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03178272
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03178272