Coenzyme Q10

Generic name: Ubiquinone
Drug class: Nutraceutical products

Usage of Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that is made naturally in the body. This medicine is also known as Coenzima, Ubidcarenone, Ubidécarénone, and Ubiquinol.

Coenzyme Q10 is likely effective in alternative medicine as an aid in treating coenzyme Q-10 deficiency, or reducing the symptoms of mitochondrial disorders (conditions that affect energy-production in the cells of the body).

Coenzyme Q10 is also possibly effective in preventing migraine headaches, lowering blood pressure, preventing a second heart attack, or slowing the progression of early Parkinson's disease. This medicine is also possibly effective in improving symptoms in people with congestive heart failure, nerve problems caused by diabetes, Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy, or macular degeneration (age-related vision loss).

Coenzyme Q10 has also been used to treat Alzheimer's disease, high cholesterol, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). However, research has shown that this medicine may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Research also has shown that Coenzyme Q10 is not likely to be effective in increasing athletic performance.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating asthma, COPD, cancer, diabetes, certain heart problems, fibromyalgia, hepatitis C, kidney problems, high blood pressure during pregnancy, muscle problems caused by taking "statin" cholesterol medicine, and other conditions.

Coenzyme Q10 is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Coenzyme Q10 side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Coenzyme : hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, Coenzyme Q10 is thought to be likely safe for most adults when used as directed.

Stop using this product and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

very low blood pressure - dizziness, severe weakness, feeling like you might pass out.

Common Coenzyme Q10 side effects may include:

upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

diarrhea;

skin rash; or

low blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Coenzyme Q10

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use Coenzyme Q10 if you have ever had:

high or low blood pressure;

if you are receiving chemotherapy; or

if you smoke.

Coenzyme Q10 is considered possibly safe to use during pregnancy. However, do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether ubiquinone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without a doctor's advice.

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How to use Coenzyme Q10

Use Coenzyme Q10 exactly as directed on the label, or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

Measure liquid Coenzyme Q10 carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

To take the disintegrating tablet, use dry hands to remove the tablet from the package, and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Do not use different forms of ubiquinone at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Your blood pressure may need to be checked while you are taking Coenzyme Q10.

If you need surgery, stop taking Coenzyme Q10 at least 2 weeks ahead of time.

Store at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture. Keep the medicine bottle closed when not in use.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Coenzyme Q10

Do not take Coenzyme Q10 without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

omega-3 fatty acids;

vitamins (especially A, C, E, or K);

blood pressure medicine;

cancer medicine; or

warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Coenzyme Q10, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

CoenzymeQ10, also known as ubiquinone or CoQ10, may have serious drug interactions. Use with anticoagulant drugs like warfarin could decrease the blood thinning effects of the anticoagulant and increase the risk for a blood clot, although the available data is conflicting. Continue reading

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