What is coenzyme Q10 used for?
Coenzyme Q10 is commonly used to increase coenzyme Q10 levels that may be low in certain people, such as those who take a medicine called a statin. The benefits of coenzyme Q10 are not well defined.
Coenzyme Q10 may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does coenzyme Q10 work (mechanism of action)?
Coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenone or ubiquinone) is found naturally in your body and certain foods that you eat. Your body needs it to make energy. Coenzyme Q10 is changed by your body into a form called ubiquinol, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
How is coenzyme Q10 supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- ActiveQ
- CoQmax
- QH-absorb
- Qunol
- Ultra CoQ10
Dosage forms and strengths
- Various dosage forms, such as a capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, tablet that is swallowed, and powder that is mixed into liquid and swallowed
How should I store coenzyme Q10?
You should store coenzyme Q10 according to the product label. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children and pets.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of coenzyme Q10?
The most common side effects of coenzyme Q10 are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Trouble sleeping
- Tiredness
- Upset stomach, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Headache
- Rash
There may be other side effects of coenzyme Q10 that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of coenzyme Q10?
While less common, the most serious side effects of coenzyme Q10 are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Coenzyme Q10 may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking coenzyme Q10 and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use coenzyme Q10?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take coenzyme Q10.
- ActiveQ
- Coenzyme Q10
- CoQmax
- QH-absorb
- Qunol
- Ubiquinol
- Ubiquinone
- Ultra CoQ10
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific coenzyme Q10 products they stock.
What should I know about coenzyme Q10 before using it?
Coenzyme Q10 is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
If you use a liquid form of coenzyme Q10, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.
Keep coenzyme Q10 out of the reach of children.
What should I tell my health care provider before using coenzyme Q10?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if coenzyme Q10 is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- Liver or gallbladder problems
- Receiving treatment for cancer, including radiation or chemotherapy
Other Medicines and Supplements. Coenzyme Q10 may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking coenzyme Q10, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how coenzyme Q10 could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if coenzyme Q10 passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does coenzyme Q10 interact with foods or drinks?
Coenzyme Q10 seems to be absorbed better when taken with food, especially foods containing fat. This may help it work better.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect coenzyme Q10.
Does coenzyme Q10 interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking coenzyme Q10.
- Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
- A medicine for diabetes
- A beta-blocker, such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to lower blood pressure
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with coenzyme Q10. Always check with your health care provider.
