Reversal agents encompass any drug used to reverse the effects of anesthetics, narcotics or potentially toxic agents. Also known as antagonists, these drugs are widely used in modern veterinary anesthesia. They are effective tools for facilitating better control of the effects and side effects of drugs routinely used in sedation and anesthesia.¹ In mode of action, 

• Agonists are drugs that bind to a cell’s receptor, producing a desired response.
• Antagonists are drugs that bind to the receptor either on the primary site, or on another site, which stops the receptor from producing a response (resulting in reversal of the initial response). 

Yohimbine (yohimbine HCl) is an α2-adrenergic antagonist that is used to reverse xylazine, an α2-adrenergic agonist that is widely used for sedation, anesthesia, muscle relaxation and analgesia in veterinary medicine. Yohimbine is also used to antagonize other α2-adrenergic agonist drugs. Yohimbine is believed to penetrate the CNS very readily; when used to reverse the effects of xylazine, onset of action is usually within 3 minutes.

Where to buy Yohimbine

Yohimbine is available in the U.S. through pharmaceutical manufacturers and through veterinary custom compounding companies. 

This product carries several potential drug interactions. Please consult your veterinarian prior to beginning any treatment regimen.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.

¹Lauven P.M., Calaminus, et. al. Antagonisten in der Anästhesie [Antagonists in anesthesia]. Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther. 1995 Oct;30(6):331-6. German. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-996505. PMID: 8541433.