Does Coenzyme Q10 interact with any drugs?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on May 20, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

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.

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

What is NAC and how can it benefit your health?

NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) is a supplement that may be used to help people replenish glutathione – the most powerful antioxidant in the body. Levels of glutathione rapidly deplete during oxidative stress or after acetaminophen overdosage. NAC may also be used to help improve fertility, brain health, heart health, and long-term respiratory conditions (such as Asthma or COPD) and reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. In medicine, NAC has been used as an antidote to acetaminophen overdose since the 1960s and to treat those with acute liver failure. Continue reading

What is glutathione used for?

Studies have looked at glutathione supplementation for various uses, including: anti-aging, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, as a topical depigmenting (skin whitening) agent, to enhance athletic performance, and for heart disease. Solid evidence is lacking to prove oral glutathione supplements have a definitive role for any of these conditions. Continue reading

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