Eredex5.4 mg

Eredex is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist that has been used both as a regulated prescription medicine (historically) and, more commonly today, as an ingredient in unregulated dietary supplements. The strength of evidence differs considerably between these uses.

Historically approved use

• Erectile dysfunction (impotence): Eredex was formerly approved in some markets for the symptomatic treatment of male erectile dysfunction, including cases of vascular, diabetic, or psychogenic origin. This use has been largely superseded by phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil), which are now preferred first-line pharmacologic therapy for most patients due to stronger evidence and better tolerability.

Off-label / supplement-context uses (weak or limited evidence)

• Weight management / fat reduction: Promoted in dietary supplements as an aid to fat loss through alpha-2 receptor blockade in fat tissue; clinical evidence is limited, inconsistent, and does not support reliable efficacy.
• Athletic or exercise performance enhancement: Used informally by some athletes; supporting evidence is weak and not part of any approved medical indication.
• Orthostatic hypotension (specialist, adjunctive use): Occasionally used off-label under specialist supervision because of its sympathomimetic activity; evidence is limited and this is not a standard or approved indication.

Because Eredex sold as an unregulated dietary/herbal supplement may have inconsistent potency and purity compared with a regulated pharmaceutical-grade product, any use for the above off-label or supplement-context purposes should only be undertaken with medical guidance.

Where formulated as a regulated oral tablet, each tablet typically contains Yohimbine Hydrochloride 5.4 mg as the active ingredient, together with standard pharmaceutical excipients suitable for oral administration. Strength and formulation (tablet or capsule) may vary between manufacturers. Note that dietary-supplement products labeled as containing "yohimbine" or "yohimbe bark extract" are not regulated as pharmaceuticals, and their actual Yohimbine Hydrochloride content may be inconsistent with, or unverified against, the labeled amount.

Eredex is the hydrochloride salt of yohimbine, an indole alkaloid originally derived from the bark of the African tree Pausinystalia yohimbe (also produced synthetically). It was historically marketed as a prescription tablet for erectile dysfunction under brand names that are now largely discontinued in most regulated pharmaceutical markets.

Today, Eredex (or yohimbe-derived extracts) is more commonly encountered as an ingredient in unregulated dietary/herbal supplements marketed for sexual performance, weight loss, or athletic performance, contexts in which the evidence base is weak and product quality/dosing can vary considerably. Use of Eredex — whether as a regulated pharmaceutical product or a supplement — should be guided by a physician, given its narrow therapeutic window and dose-dependent cardiovascular and central nervous system effects.

Eredex belongs to the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist class of agents, historically classified as an agent for erectile dysfunction/impotence.

Mechanism of Action

Yohimbine Hydrochloride is a competitive antagonist at presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. By blocking these receptors, it reduces the normal negative-feedback inhibition of norepinephrine release, increasing central and peripheral sympathetic (noradrenergic) outflow. Peripherally, this can increase blood flow, including to the corpus cavernosum, which was the rationale for its historical use in erectile dysfunction. It also has weak affinity for other receptor systems (e.g., serotonergic, dopaminergic), which may contribute to some of its central effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Yohimbine Hydrochloride is absorbed after oral administration, though bioavailability and effect can vary between individuals. It undergoes hepatic metabolism and is eliminated with a relatively short plasma half-life (on the order of a few hours), which is why it has historically been dosed multiple times per day. It is excreted primarily via the kidneys, which — together with its hepatic clearance — underlies why hepatic and renal disease are contraindications (see Contraindications).

Eredex is taken by mouth. When used for erectile dysfunction under medical supervision, it has typically been dosed multiple times daily rather than as a single pre-activity dose, given its short half-life. It may be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may reduce stimulant-type side effects such as jitteriness in some patients. Swallow tablets whole with water; do not crush or chew unless directed. Always follow the specific product labeling or your physician's instructions, since dosing conventions differ between a regulated pharmaceutical product and a dietary supplement.

The most clinically important interactions with Eredex involve drugs that increase catecholamine or sympathetic activity:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and other mood-elevating or stimulant drugs (including amphetamines and other sympathomimetics): Concurrent use can precipitate a hypertensive crisis and is a contraindication (see Contraindications).
• Antihypertensive agents, including clonidine and other centrally-acting antihypertensives: Eredex can antagonize their blood-pressure-lowering effect, since it works through an opposing mechanism on the same receptor system.
• Other sympathomimetic or stimulant substances (e.g., caffeine in high amounts, decongestants): May additively increase heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety-type effects.

Because unregulated supplement products may combine Eredex/yohimbe with other stimulant ingredients, patients should disclose all supplements and medicines to their physician or pharmacist before use.

Common

• Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
• Tremor
• Headache and dizziness
• Flushing of the skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia) and palpitations
• Increased blood pressure
• Insomnia and increased urinary frequency

Less common / more likely at higher or inconsistently-dosed (e.g., supplement) doses

• Marked hypertension
• Panic-attack-like symptoms in susceptible individuals (see Precautions and Warnings)
• Severe agitation

Because supplement-form products are not subject to the same quality control as regulated pharmaceuticals, side effects can be more frequent or severe if the actual Eredex content is higher than labeled. Seek medical advice if side effects are severe or persistent.

Pregnancy: Eredex is contraindicated in pregnancy (see Contraindications). Its sympathomimetic effects on blood pressure and heart rate pose a potential risk to both mother and fetus, and it should not be used by pregnant women, including in supplement form.

Lactation: There is insufficient reliable data on whether Eredex passes into human breast milk or its effects on a nursing infant. Because of its pharmacologic activity and the risks described above, Eredex should be avoided during breastfeeding unless a physician determines it is clearly needed and that the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant; consult a physician before use.

• Eredex has a comparatively narrow therapeutic window: side effects such as anxiety, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart rate are dose-dependent and can occur even at doses close to those intended to be therapeutic.
• Use particular caution when Eredex is obtained as an unregulated dietary/herbal supplement (e.g., "yohimbe" or "yohimbine" supplements), since these products are not verified for potency or purity to the same standard as a regulated pharmaceutical, and inconsistent dosing raises the risk of significant adverse cardiovascular or anxiety-related effects.
• Avoid use in patients with anxiety disorders or panic disorder, as Eredex can precipitate or worsen anxiety and panic-type symptoms.
• Monitor blood pressure and heart rate during use, particularly at treatment initiation or with dose changes.
• Avoid excessive caffeine, other stimulants, and alcohol while using Eredex, as these may compound cardiovascular and central nervous system side effects.
• Use with caution in elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to cardiovascular effects.
• Do not exceed the dose or duration recommended by a physician or product labeling.

Overdose or excessive dosing of Eredex (which may occur more readily with inconsistently-dosed supplement products) can cause an initial period of weakness and low blood pressure, followed by elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, marked anxiety or agitation, flushing, dizziness, and in severe cases, more serious cardiovascular or central nervous system effects. If overdose or accidental ingestion of an excessive amount is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center/emergency services without delay. Do not attempt to manage a suspected overdose at home; treatment should be supportive and directed by medical professionals, as there is no specific antidote.

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

• Renal impairment: Eredex is contraindicated in patients with renal disease (see Contraindications).
• Hepatic impairment: Eredex is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease (see Contraindications).
• Cardiovascular disease: Contraindicated, given the risk of significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate (see Contraindications).
• Anxiety or panic disorders: Avoid use, as symptoms may be worsened (see Precautions and Warnings).
• Elderly patients: Use with caution, as sensitivity to cardiovascular effects may be increased.
• Women: The historical approved indication for Eredex (erectile dysfunction) applies to men; it is not indicated for use in women, and is contraindicated in pregnancy.

See Pediatric Uses for information regarding use in children.

When used under medical supervision for erectile dysfunction, a physician typically assesses response over a trial period of a few weeks before deciding whether to continue, adjust, or discontinue Eredex. It is not intended for indefinite, unsupervised use, and long-term or repeated use as a dietary supplement (e.g., for weight loss or athletic performance) is not supported by strong evidence and should only be undertaken with medical guidance and periodic reassessment, given its cardiovascular effects.

Yohimbine Hydrochloride is classified as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, an indole alkaloid derived from (or structurally related to compounds found in) the bark of Pausinystalia yohimbe.

Yohimbine Hydrochloride works by competitively blocking presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which reduces feedback inhibition of norepinephrine release and increases sympathetic (noradrenergic) activity, including increased peripheral blood flow. See Pharmacology for further detail.

• The safety and efficacy of Eredex have not been established in children and adolescents.
• Eredex is not recommended for use in pediatric patients, whether as a prescription product or a dietary supplement.