Does Coenzyme Q10 interact with any drugs?
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.
If you take a blood thinner, check with your doctor before starting CoQ10. You may need to have your blood clotting tests checked more frequently and may need a change in your anticoagulant dose if your doctor agrees to its use. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
If you are considering the use of any supplement, always check with your doctor first. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you use, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
What is CoenzymeQ10?
CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant found naturally in the heart, kidney, liver and pancreas, but aging and smoking can deplete these natural stores. It is considered a nutraceutical. Cells use it to produce energy and to fight off free-radicals.
CoQ10 is also available as a dietary supplement at the store. This dietary supplement is most likely effective for coenzyme Q-10 deficiency, or reducing the symptoms of mitochondrial disorders, which are conditions that affect energy production in the cells.
CoQ10 is promoted to be effective for migraines, heart conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure, Parkinson's disease or macular degeneration, and to help with muscle problems from statins, but you should only take CoQ10 for these conditions if recommended by your health care provider. These uses are not fully proven in clinical studies.
Related: Drugs interactions with CoenzymeQ10 (in more detail)
This is not all the information you need to know about CoenzymeQ10 for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
Related questions
- How do you manage muscle pain with cholesterol drugs?
- What are the side effects of Vitamin D?
- How much Vitamin D should you take?
References
- Coenzyme-Q10. Drugs.com. Accessed May 20, 2023 at https://www.drugs.com/coenzyme-q10.html
Read next
Does Zinc protect you from Covid-19 or boost your immune system?
Few trials have been conducted that examine the role zinc supplementation or low zinc levels play in Covid-19. Spanish doctors found that people with low zinc levels admitted to hospital with Covid-19 tended to fare worse than those with healthier levels and numerous studies have reported benefits for zinc in people with the common cold. Zinc is an essential mineral that we have to obtain from diet or supplements. It supports normal growth and development during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy; is responsible for the activity of more than 300 different enzymes in our body; is vital for our immune system functioning; and is important for wound healing.
Continue reading
Should I take magnesium with vitamin D?
Yes, taking magnesium with vitamin D is generally safe — and often beneficial — because magnesium helps your body activate and use vitamin D effectively.
Continue reading
What is piracetam used for?
Piracetam is a man-made substance, called a racetam, that was developed in the 1960s and originally used to treat motion sickness. It became the first drug to be labeled as a nootropic – which is a drug used to enhance memory, learning, and other cognitive functions, without sedation or stimulation. Piracetam was also found by serendipity to be an effective anticonvulsant in the 1980s. Piracetam is not approved by the FDA for any medical or dietary use. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- Can vitamin C prevent or treat COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- What is NAC and how can it benefit your health?
- What is glutathione used for?
- What is sucralose? Is it bad for you?
- Does chocolate impair calcium absorption?
- Does vitamin D help with depression?
- What is bromelain used for?
- Krill Oil vs Fish Oil - What's the difference between them?
- What are the best zinc-rich foods to eat?
- Do athletes need glutamine?
- High blood pressure or heart disease: Which drugs should I be careful with?
- What is whey?
- Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
- Does "Natural" always mean "Safe"?
- What can your Pharmacist can do for you?
Drug information
- Coenzyme Q10 Information for Consumers
- Side Effects of Coenzyme Q10 (detailed)
- Coenzyme Q10 user reviews (4)
Related support groups
- Coenzyme Q10 (3 questions, 8 members)
- Dietary Supplementation (58 questions, 110 members)