Coenzyme Q-10

Are there any interactions with medications?

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Medications for cancer (Chemotherapy)
Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.

Coenzyme Q-10 is an antioxidant. There is some concern that antioxidants might decrease the effectiveness of some medications used for cancers. But it is too soon to know if the interaction occurs.

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Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.

Coenzyme Q-10 seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking coenzyme Q-10 along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

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Warfarin (Coumadin)
Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.

Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting while coenzyme Q-10 might increase blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, coenzyme Q-10 might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) and increase the risk of dangerous clots. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

Dosing considerations for Coenzyme Q-10.

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For known coenzyme Q-10 deficiency: 150 mg daily.
• For mitochondrial disorders (mitochondrial encephalomyopathies): 150-160 mg, or 2 mg/kg/day. In some cases, doses may be gradually increased to 3000 mg per day.
• For heart failure in adults: 100 mg per day divided into 2 or 3 doses.
• For reducing the risk of future cardiac events in patients with recent myocardial infarction: 120 mg daily in 2 divided doses.
• For high blood pressure: 120-200 mg per day divided into 2 doses.
• For isolated systolic hypertension: 60 mg twice daily.
• For preventing migraine headache: 100 mg three times daily. A dose of 1-3 mg/kg has also been used in pediatric and adolescent patients.
• For Parkinson's disease: 300 mg, 600 mg, 1200 mg, and 2400 mg per day in 3-4 divided doses.
• For HIV/AIDS: 200 mg per day.
• For infertility in men: 200-300 mg per day.
• For muscular dystrophy: 100 mg per day.
• For pre-eclampsia: 100 mg twice daily starting at week 20 of pregnancy until delivery.

Dividing the total daily dose by taking smaller amounts two or three times a day instead of a large amount all at once can help reduce side effects.