Vitamin Q10

Related Terms

2,3-Dimethoxy-5 methyl-6-decaprenyl benzoquinone, 6-[10-hydroxydecyl]-2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, All-QT, Andelir?, atovaquone, Bio-Quinone?, Capsule Bio-Quinone, Coenzyme Q, Co-enzyme Q10, Coenzyme Q(50), CoenzymeQ, CoQ, CoQ10, Co-Q10, CoQ-10, CoQ(50), CV-2619, Heartcin?, hydroxydecyl ubiquinone, idebenone (synthetic analog), Kaneka Q10T, Kino-Q-10, MitoQ, MitoQ10, mitoquinone, Neuquinone?, noben, prenylquinones, Q10, Q-Gel?, SoluT Q10, SterolQ10, Taidecanone?, ubidecarenone, ubiquinol-10, ubiquinone, ubiquinone-10, ubiquinone-Q10, Udekinon?, vitamin q10, vitamin Q10.
Combination product examples: Phototrop? (acetyl-L-carnitine, n-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10), PycnoQ10 (Pycnogenol? plus CoQ10), Cutanova Nanorepair Q10 cream, Proxeed? (L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, fructose, citric acid, selenium, zinc, ascorbic acid, cyanocobalamin, folic acid, and CoQ10).

Background

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that is made in the human body. CoQ10 is needed for basic cell function. CoQ10 levels decrease with age and may be low in people with cancer, certain genetic disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, HIV/AIDS, muscular dystrophies, and Parkinson's disease. Some prescription drugs may also lower CoQ10 levels.
CoQ10 in the body can be increased by taking CoQ10 supplements. There is evidence that idebenone, a man-made compound similar to CoQ10, may help treat Alzheimer's disease. However, evidence is lacking to support the use of CoQ10 itself for this condition. There is some evidence to support the use of CoQ10 for high blood pressure and heart failure.
Promising uses of CoQ10 include eye disease, chest pain caused by exercise, asthma, chronic fatigue, and high cholesterol, as well as the treatment of chemotherapy side effects in children.
Evidence is conflicting for the use of CoQ10 in heart muscle problems and exercise performance. There is some negative evidence for the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of diabetes, hepatitis C, and Huntington's disease.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


CoQ10 is made naturally in the body, but deficiency may occur due to disease, low dietary intake, or high CoQ10 use by the body. Symptoms of deficiency include heart failure, high blood pressure, and chest pain. Depending on the cause of deficiency, supplementing with CoQ10 or increasing dietary intake may be effective.

 A


CoQ10 is made naturally in the body, but deficiency may occur due to disease, low dietary intake, or high CoQ10 use by the body. Symptoms of deficiency include heart failure, high blood pressure, and chest pain. Depending on the cause of deficiency, supplementing with CoQ10 or increasing dietary intake may be effective.

 A


Early evidence suggests that CoQ10 may be effective for chronic heart failure. Low blood levels of CoQ10 have been associated with this condition. CoQ10 has been used in combination with other herbs and supplements for chronic heart failure.

 B


Early evidence suggests that CoQ10 may be effective for chronic heart failure. Low blood levels of CoQ10 have been associated with this condition. CoQ10 has been used in combination with other herbs and supplements for chronic heart failure.

 B


There is good evidence to support the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of high blood pressure. However, more studies evaluating a higher dose for a longer treatment period are needed.

 B


There is good evidence to support the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of high blood pressure. However, more studies evaluating a higher dose for a longer treatment period are needed.

 B


Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that causes vision loss in older adults. Early research suggests that a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, omega-3, and CoQ10 may improve visual function in early AMD. More research is needed on the effects of CoQ10 alone.

 C


Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that causes vision loss in older adults. Early research suggests that a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, omega-3, and CoQ10 may improve visual function in early AMD. More research is needed on the effects of CoQ10 alone.

 C


Early study suggests that a combination of CoQ10 and other antioxidants and minerals may improve skin roughness and fine wrinkles. Further research is needed to understand CoQ10's role in skin aging.

 C


Early study suggests that a combination of CoQ10 and other antioxidants and minerals may improve skin roughness and fine wrinkles. Further research is needed to understand CoQ10's role in skin aging.

 C


There is some evidence that idebenone, a man-made compound similar to CoQ10, may benefit people with Alzheimer's disease. However, the effect of CoQ10 itself is unclear.

 C


There is some evidence that idebenone, a man-made compound similar to CoQ10, may benefit people with Alzheimer's disease. However, the effect of CoQ10 itself is unclear.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease affecting brain and spinal cord nerve cells that control muscle movement. More research is needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease affecting brain and spinal cord nerve cells that control muscle movement. More research is needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for use as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage. CoQ10 has been used in combination with other antioxidants. Early study suggests that it may have antioxidant benefits in people with heart disease. More information is needed on the potential benefits of CoQ10 alone.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for use as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage. CoQ10 has been used in combination with other antioxidants. Early study suggests that it may have antioxidant benefits in people with heart disease. More information is needed on the potential benefits of CoQ10 alone.

 C


Early study reports that CoQ10 in combination with vitamin E, vitamin C, and conventional therapy may reduce the dosage of asthma medication required. More research using CoQ10 alone is needed.

 C


Early study reports that CoQ10 in combination with vitamin E, vitamin C, and conventional therapy may reduce the dosage of asthma medication required. More research using CoQ10 alone is needed.

 C


Low levels of CoQ10 may be linked to risk of breast cancer. There is promising evidence to support the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of breast cancer, possibly in combination with conventional therapy. More research is needed.

 C


Low levels of CoQ10 may be linked to risk of breast cancer. There is promising evidence to support the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of breast cancer, possibly in combination with conventional therapy. More research is needed.

 C


CoQ10 levels may help predict the risk of skin cancer progression. One study found lower CoQ10 levels in people who have cancer, compared to those who do not. Early research suggests that CoQ10 in combination with other antioxidants may increase survival in end-stage cancer. However, more information is needed on CoQ10 alone.

 C


CoQ10 levels may help predict the risk of skin cancer progression. One study found lower CoQ10 levels in people who have cancer, compared to those who do not. Early research suggests that CoQ10 in combination with other antioxidants may increase survival in end-stage cancer. However, more information is needed on CoQ10 alone.

 C


Early study suggests that CoQ10 may benefit eye health. CoQ10 has been used in combination with vitamin A to improve nerve regeneration in the eye. However, the effect of CoQ10 alone is unclear. More research is needed.

 C


Early study suggests that CoQ10 may benefit eye health. CoQ10 has been used in combination with vitamin A to improve nerve regeneration in the eye. However, the effect of CoQ10 alone is unclear. More research is needed.

 C


There is unclear evidence to support the use of CoQ10 for side effects of chemotherapy on the heart. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


There is unclear evidence to support the use of CoQ10 for side effects of chemotherapy on the heart. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for chest pain caused by exercise. More research is needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for chest pain caused by exercise. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research shows that CoQ10 may improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. More high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research shows that CoQ10 may improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. More high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


The effect of CoQ10 on cocaine usage is unclear. More research is needed on this topic.

 C


The effect of CoQ10 on cocaine usage is unclear. More research is needed on this topic.

 C


CoQ10 used in combination with the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin may benefit people who have coronary heart disease. CoQ10 may also help reduce inflammation in those with this condition. Further research on CoQ10 alone is needed.

 C


CoQ10 used in combination with the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin may benefit people who have coronary heart disease. CoQ10 may also help reduce inflammation in those with this condition. Further research on CoQ10 alone is needed.

 C


Low levels of CoQ10 have been found in children with cystic fibrosis, a disease that causes mucus buildup in lungs. Combination products containing CoQ10 have been studied. More research on the effects of CoQ10 alone is needed.

 C


Low levels of CoQ10 have been found in children with cystic fibrosis, a disease that causes mucus buildup in lungs. Combination products containing CoQ10 have been studied. More research on the effects of CoQ10 alone is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that CoQ10 may improve symptoms of dry mouth. More well-designed studies are needed.

 C


Early research suggests that CoQ10 may improve symptoms of dry mouth. More well-designed studies are needed.

 C


Overall, strong evidence is lacking on the use of CoQ10 for improving exercise performance. CoQ10 may most benefit people who have chronic lung diseases, such as asthma. More research is needed on this topic.

 C


Overall, strong evidence is lacking on the use of CoQ10 for improving exercise performance. CoQ10 may most benefit people who have chronic lung diseases, such as asthma. More research is needed on this topic.

 C


Fibromyalgia is a condition in which there is long-term pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints. Early study suggests that people with this disorder may benefit from the use of CoQ10. More research is needed.

 C


Fibromyalgia is a condition in which there is long-term pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints. Early study suggests that people with this disorder may benefit from the use of CoQ10. More research is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that CoQ10 levels may be lower in the gum tissue of people with gum disease. There is promising evidence to support CoQ10 for treating gum disease. However, more research is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that CoQ10 levels may be lower in the gum tissue of people with gum disease. There is promising evidence to support CoQ10 for treating gum disease. However, more research is needed.

 C


Low levels of CoQ10 may be associated with a higher risk of hearing loss. Evidence is mixed regarding the use of CoQ10 for hearing loss. More well-designed research is needed.

 C


Low levels of CoQ10 may be associated with a higher risk of hearing loss. Evidence is mixed regarding the use of CoQ10 for hearing loss. More well-designed research is needed.

 C


CoQ10 may benefit people who have had a previous heart attack. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 may benefit people who have had a previous heart attack. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 may have benefits in people with a chronic disease of the heart muscle. More well-designed research is needed.

 C


CoQ10 may have benefits in people with a chronic disease of the heart muscle. More well-designed research is needed.

 C


CoQ10 may improve blood flow and blood vessel widening in people with diabetes. A combination of CoQ10 and garlic extract may benefit heart health associated with stress. More high-quality studies are needed on this topic.

 C


CoQ10 may improve blood flow and blood vessel widening in people with diabetes. A combination of CoQ10 and garlic extract may benefit heart health associated with stress. More high-quality studies are needed on this topic.

 C


Research suggests that CoQ10 may benefit people who have cardiomyopathy, a weakening or problem with the heart muscle. Levels of CoQ10 may be lower in people with this condition. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Research suggests that CoQ10 may benefit people who have cardiomyopathy, a weakening or problem with the heart muscle. Levels of CoQ10 may be lower in people with this condition. More research is needed in this area.

 C


There is promising evidence to support the use of CoQ10 before heart surgery. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


There is promising evidence to support the use of CoQ10 before heart surgery. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


Evidence is conflicting in support of the cholesterol-lowering effects of CoQ10. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Evidence is conflicting in support of the cholesterol-lowering effects of CoQ10. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that evidence is lacking to support of the use of CoQ10 for treating HIV/AIDS. More research is needed in this field.

 C


Early research suggests that evidence is lacking to support of the use of CoQ10 for treating HIV/AIDS. More research is needed in this field.

 C


CoQ10 may improve blood pressure and other measures of heart health in people who have high triglyceride levels. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 may improve blood pressure and other measures of heart health in people who have high triglyceride levels. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for immune enhancement. However, details are lacking, and more research is needed on this topic before conclusions can be made.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for immune enhancement. However, details are lacking, and more research is needed on this topic before conclusions can be made.

 C


Early research suggests that CoQ10 may help treat symptoms of Prader-Labhart-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting growth and development. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that CoQ10 may help treat symptoms of Prader-Labhart-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting growth and development. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Results are conflicting in support of CoQ10 for the treatment of kidney failure. More well-designed studies are needed.

 C


Results are conflicting in support of CoQ10 for the treatment of kidney failure. More well-designed studies are needed.

 C


There is early evidence that supports the use of CoQ10 for improving sperm health. More well-designed studies are needed in this area.

 C


There is early evidence that supports the use of CoQ10 for improving sperm health. More well-designed studies are needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for use in treating migraines. More well-designed studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for use in treating migraines. More well-designed studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for diseases affecting the mitochondria, which are energy-creating components found in every cell in the body. There is promising evidence to support CoQ10 use for conditions such as Kearns-Sayre syndrome, which may cause drooping eyelids and vision problems. More research is needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for diseases affecting the mitochondria, which are energy-creating components found in every cell in the body. There is promising evidence to support CoQ10 use for conditions such as Kearns-Sayre syndrome, which may cause drooping eyelids and vision problems. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Early evidence supports the use of CoQ10 in children with mitral valve prolapse, a condition in which a heart valve does not close properly. More studies are needed this area.

 C


Early evidence supports the use of CoQ10 in children with mitral valve prolapse, a condition in which a heart valve does not close properly. More studies are needed this area.

 C


Early evidence suggests that CoQ10 may be useful in treating symptoms of Friedreich's ataxia, a disease that damages the nervous system. More research is needed to confirm whether CoQ10 may benefit people who have this condition.

 C


Early evidence suggests that CoQ10 may be useful in treating symptoms of Friedreich's ataxia, a disease that damages the nervous system. More research is needed to confirm whether CoQ10 may benefit people who have this condition.

 C


CoQ10 may help reduce some side effects of statin therapy, including muscle weakness. More research is needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 may help reduce some side effects of statin therapy, including muscle weakness. More research is needed in this area.

 C


There is mixed evidence in support of CoQ10 or idebenone (a man-made compound similar to CoQ10) for treating muscular dystrophies, diseases in which there is muscle damage or loss. Further study is needed.

 C


There is mixed evidence in support of CoQ10 or idebenone (a man-made compound similar to CoQ10) for treating muscular dystrophies, diseases in which there is muscle damage or loss. Further study is needed.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for myelodysplastic syndrome, a condition in which there is cell damage in the bone marrow. Early evidence suggests that CoQ10 may benefit people who have this condition. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for myelodysplastic syndrome, a condition in which there is cell damage in the bone marrow. Early evidence suggests that CoQ10 may benefit people who have this condition. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research reports that CoQ10 may benefit people who have nerve pain caused by diabetes. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Early research reports that CoQ10 may benefit people who have nerve pain caused by diabetes. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. There is promising evidence in support of the use of CoQ10 for this condition. However, more high-quality studies are needed.

 C


CoQ10 has been studied for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. There is promising evidence in support of the use of CoQ10 for this condition. However, more high-quality studies are needed.

 C


CoQ10 may benefit men with Peyronie's disease (abnormal curvature, pain, and scar tissue in the penis) in terms of slowing disease progression and reducing curvature. More well-designed studies are needed in this area.

 C


CoQ10 may benefit men with Peyronie's disease (abnormal curvature, pain, and scar tissue in the penis) in terms of slowing disease progression and reducing curvature. More well-designed studies are needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that CoQ10 may lower the occurrence of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) in women who are at risk. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that CoQ10 may lower the occurrence of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) in women who are at risk. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


A combination product containing CoQ10 lacked benefit in men with prostate cancer. Further study is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


A combination product containing CoQ10 lacked benefit in men with prostate cancer. Further study is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


A combination product containing CoQ10 may improve symptoms of psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition. More research on the effects of CoQ10 alone is needed.

 C


A combination product containing CoQ10 may improve symptoms of psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition. More research on the effects of CoQ10 alone is needed.

 C


CoQ10 combined with the use of conventional drugs may benefit people recovering from skin cancer surgery and reduce recurrence. Although promising, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


CoQ10 combined with the use of conventional drugs may benefit people recovering from skin cancer surgery and reduce recurrence. Although promising, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


In early research, people with ringing in the ears and low CoQ10 levels had decreased symptoms with CoQ10 supplementation. More research is needed on this topic.

 C


In early research, people with ringing in the ears and low CoQ10 levels had decreased symptoms with CoQ10 supplementation. More research is needed on this topic.

 C


CoQ10 may help promote weight loss in obese people. Levels of CoQ10 may be lower in people with a higher body mass index (BMI). More high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


CoQ10 may help promote weight loss in obese people. Levels of CoQ10 may be lower in people with a higher body mass index (BMI). More high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Early evidence supports the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of heart-related complications in people with diabetes. However, overall study results suggest that CoQ10 may lack effect on blood sugar control. More research is needed.

 D


Early evidence supports the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of heart-related complications in people with diabetes. However, overall study results suggest that CoQ10 may lack effect on blood sugar control. More research is needed.

 D


Limited research reports that CoQ10 may lack benefit in people who have hepatitis C. More research is needed on this topic.

 D


Limited research reports that CoQ10 may lack benefit in people who have hepatitis C. More research is needed on this topic.

 D


There is negative evidence to support the use of CoQ10 or idebenone (a man-made compound similar to CoQ10) for the treatment of Huntington's disease. More research assessing long-term benefit is needed.

 D


There is negative evidence to support the use of CoQ10 or idebenone (a man-made compound similar to CoQ10) for the treatment of Huntington's disease. More research assessing long-term benefit is needed.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
In general, manufacturers have recommended doses of CoQ10 ranging between 22-400 milligrams.
To treat Alzheimer's disease, 90-360 milligrams of idebenone (a man-made compound similar to CoQ10) has been taken by mouth daily in single or divided doses for 6-16 months. A dose of 400 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth three times daily for 16 weeks.
To treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 1,800 or 2,700 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily in three divided doses for nine months. Doses of CoQ10 as high as 3,000 milligrams have been taken by mouth daily for eight months.
To treat chest pain, 60-600 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily in single or divided doses for four weeks.
As an antioxidant, 60-150 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for 2-12 weeks. A dose of 30 milligrams of CoQ10 in oil or 20 milligrams of CoQ10 as a powder has been taken by mouth three times daily for two months. A dose of 100 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily before hemodialysis over a six-month period.
To treat muscle control problems, 5-30 milligrams per kilogram of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for 2-5 years. Doses of 300-3,000 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily. A dose of 5 milligrams per kilogram of idebenone has been taken by mouth daily for up to five years.
To treat weakening of the heart muscle, 30-600 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for up to eight years. A dose of 2 milligrams per kilogram of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth in two or three divided doses along with regular heart medication, and increased to a maximum of 10 milligrams per kilogram by mouth daily for six months. A dose of 0.6 milligrams per kilogram has been taken by mouth daily for nine months.
To prevent heart disease, 200 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth once daily for 12 weeks.
To treat side effects of chemotherapy, 50-90 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily. An ointment containing ubiquinone has been applied to the skin. CoQ10 has been injected into the vein at a dose of 1 milligram per kilogram the day before anticancer treatment, on the day of treatment, and for two more days after treatment.
To treat coronary heart disease, 20-100 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth three times daily for 4-8 weeks.
To treat type 1 diabetes, 100 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.
To treat type 2 diabetes, 100 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth twice daily for up to 12 weeks.
To improve exercise performance, doses of 50-300 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily for up to 12 weeks. A dose of 100 milligrams or 300 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth in two divided doses daily for one week, with one dose of three capsules on the morning of the eighth day prior to exercise.
To treat fibromyalgia, 300 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily for nine months.
To improve blood vessel widening, 200 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.
To treat gum disease, 5 milliliters of CoQ10 (200 milligrams per milliliter) in corn oil have been taken by mouth daily in divided doses.CoQ10 has been taken by mouth in soybean oil at a concentration of 85 milligrams per milliliter once per week for six weeks.
To treat hearing loss, 160-200 milligrams of Q-TER? have been taken by mouth once daily for 7-30 days. CoQ10 has been used as an 85 milligram per milliliter suspension in soybean oil and applied directly to the gum.
To treat heart attack, 120 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily for a range of 28 days to one year. A dose of 250 milligrams of liquid CoQ10, followed by 150 milligrams of liquid CoQ10, have been given three times daily for five days through nasal tubes.
To treat chronic myocardial disease, 33 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth three times daily for 12 weeks.
To treat heart failure, a dose of 2 milligrams per kilogram of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for one year. Doses of 50-600 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily for one month to 2 years.
To protect the heart during surgery, a dose of 100 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for 14 days before and 30 days after surgery. Doses of 30-200 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily for 5-7 days before bypass surgery. A dose of 300 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily for two weeks after surgery. A dose of 600 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth in two divided doses at 6 p.m. the evening before the procedure and 6 a.m. the morning of the procedure. A dose of 150 milligrams of CoQ10 (in people weighing fewer than 60 kilograms) or 180 milligrams of CoQ10 (in people weighing more than 60 kilograms) has been taken by mouth in three divided doses daily for 7-10 days before surgery. A dose of 5 milligrams per kilogram of CoQ10 has been injected into the vein two hours before bypass surgery.
To treat hepatitis C, 40 milligrams or 80 milligrams of mitoquinone has been taken by mouth once daily with a glass of water following an overnight fasting period and a minimum of one hour before eating, for 28 days.
To treat HIV/AIDS, 200 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily as a single dose or in three divided doses.
To treat Huntington's disease, 300-600 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for 120 weeks. A dose of 270 milligrams of idebenone (90 milligrams three times daily) has been taken by mouth daily for 52 weeks.
To treat high blood pressure, 60-360 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily, with the average daily dose being 225 milligrams, for 8-12 weeks.
To treat heart disorders (left ventricular diastolic function), a dose of 20 milligrams of atorvastatin (Lipitor?) have been taken by mouth daily for 3-6 months and supplemented with 300 milligrams of CoQ10 daily (100 milligrams, three times daily) for an additional three months.
To lower cholesterol, 50-100 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for up to three months.
To treat male infertility, 30-300 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth once daily or in divided doses for up to 26 weeks. Q-absorb? soft gels containing 100 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth as one soft gel twice daily for six months.
To treat migraine, 150-300 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for up to three months. Doses of 1-3 milligrams per kilogram of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth in liquid gel capsules daily.
To treat mitochondrial diseases, 120-1,200 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for up to one year. A liquid form of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth at a dose of 5 milligrams per kilogram daily. A dose of 2 milligrams per kilogram of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for six months.
To treat muscular dystrophies, 100 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily.
To treat muscle disease caused by statins, 100-240 milligrams of CoQ10 (including Q-SorbT) has been taken by mouth daily for up to 2.5 years.
To treat nerve pain of diabetes, 400 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.
To treat Parkinson's disease, nanoparticular and standard CoQ10 formulas have been taken by mouth in doses of 300-2,400 milligrams daily for four weeks to 16 months.
To treat Peyronie's disease (pain and curvature of penis), 300 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily for a period of 24 weeks.
To treat high blood pressure of pregnancy, 100 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth twice daily (Q-absorb?) until delivery, a total of about 20-24 weeks.
To treat kidney failure, 180-200 milligrams of CoQ10 have been taken by mouth daily for up to eight weeks.
To promote weight loss, 100 milligrams of CoQ10 has been taken by mouth daily for three months.
For anti-aging purposes, a 1 percent CoQ10 cream has been applied to the skin for five months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
CoQ10 may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?). CoQ10 may also reduce the effectiveness of warfarin, which will increase risk of blood clot.
CoQ10 may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
CoQ10 may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that affect blood pressure.
CoQ10 may also interact with acetylsalicylic acid, agents that may affect the immune system, agents that may affect the nervous system, agents that may enhance exercise performance, agents that may promote urination, agents that may treat asthma, agents that may treat mental illnesses, agents that may treat HIV, Alzheimer's agents, amiodarone, amitriptyline, anabolic androgenic steroids, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, anticancer agents, antidepressants, antifungal agents, anti-inflammatories, beta-blockers, cholesterol-lowering agents, clonidine, corticosteroids, cyclosporin A, dopamine agonists/antagonists, doxorubicin, eye agents, ezetimibe, fenofibrate, fertility agents, heart agents, heart rate-regulating agents, hormonal agents, hydralazine, immunoglobulins, iridium, lung agents, mercury, methyldopa, nicotine, nitroglycerin, orlistat, P-glycoprotein-regulated agents, skin agents, statins, steroids, thyroid hormones, timolol, and weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

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