Therapeutic effects of high dose yohimbine hydrochloride on organic erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated men with organic erectile dysfunction treated with placebo and high dose oral yohimbine hydrochloride.

Materials and methods: We selected 22 patients with organic erectile dysfunction (mean age 58 years) for treatment in the andrology outpatient clinic. These patients had been previously undergone neurological, vascular, hormonal and psychological testing, and were treated during an equal period of 30 days with placebo and daily single dose oral 100 mg. yohimbine. The response to treatment was evaluated via a questionnaire that comprised the outcome items of complete--normal penile rigidity enabling vaginal penetration, partial--erection improved but not sufficiently for appropriate vaginal penetration, none--no improvement and worse--erection deteriorated. The patients consented to treatment after being told of the severe adverse effects that might occur.

Results: The most common side effects were anxiety, increase in cardiac frequency, increased urinary output and headache but in no case was treatment discontinued. Of the patients 3 (13.6%) and 12 (54.5%) reported complete or partial response to treatment, respectively. However, statistical analysis disclosed no significant difference when yohimbine was compared to placebo (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Oral 100 mg. single dose daily yohimbine promotes no improvement in patients with organic erectile dysfunction.