coenzyme Q10

Action and Spectrum

Action and spectrum: 

CoQ10 helps in energy production and antioxidant defense by transferring electrons from complex I and II to complex III in the mitochondrial membrane. CoQ10 protects cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals and regenerating other antioxidants. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency Not Defined  

Appetite decreased  

Diarrhea  

Elevated LFTs  

Nausea  

Gastric distress 

Black Box Warning

Blackbox warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/caution: 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural substance produced in body and available as a dietary supplement. It is safe for most people but there are some contraindications and cautions. Allergies, blood pressure, blood thinners, chemotherapy, liver disease, and diabetes are contraindicated. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy category: N/A  

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:          

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.  

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.    

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.     

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.     

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pregnancy warnings:      

Pharmacology:  

coenzyme Q10 is naturally occurring compound found in all living cells.   

Pharmacodynamics:  

It helps in production of energy within mitochondria of cells making it a crucial part of the body metabolism. CoQ10 has antioxidant properties  that protects cells from oxidative damage. 

Pharmacokinetics:  

Absorption  

It is fat-soluble molecule and is well absorbed. 

Distribution  

Well distributed 

Metabolism  

metabolized in the liver through ubiquinone reduction. 

Elimination and Excretion  

Metabolites are eliminated from body through bile and feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

CoQ10 is available in supplement form and taken orally as capsule, tablet, or liquid forms. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: coenzyme Q10 

Why do we use coenzyme Q10? 

coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring compound that plays crucial role in cellular energy production. It is found in every cell of the body and is particularly abundant in heart, liver, and kidneys. 

It treats Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, Myocardial preservation for heart surgery, and CHF.