Drug Interactions With Coenzyme Q10

Before you use coenzyme Q10 supplements, talk to your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking. Drug interactions with coenzyme Q10 may occur if this supplement is taken with blood pressure medications, chemotherapy medicines, or warfarin. These coenzyme Q10 drug interactions may decrease the medications' effectiveness, lower your blood pressure too much, or increase your risk of blood clots.

 

An Introduction to Drug Interactions With Coenzyme Q10

Even though it is a dietary supplement, not a "drug," coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can potentially interact with a few medicines. Some of the medicines that may lead to drug interactions with coenzyme Q10 include:
 
 

More Information on Interactions With Coenzyme Q10

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when coenzyme Q10 is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
 
Blood Pressure Medications
Combining coenzyme Q10 with a high blood pressure medication may lower your blood pressure too much, possibly causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or other problems. If you take blood pressure medicine, check with your healthcare provider before taking coenzyme Q10, as your blood pressure may need to be monitored more closely.
 
Chemotherapy Medications
Coenzyme Q10 may help prevent heart damage caused by certain chemotherapy medications. However, there is also some concern that the supplement could make chemotherapy less effective. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before combining coenzyme Q10 with chemotherapy.
 
Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
Coenzyme Q10 may decrease the effectiveness of warfarin, possibly increasing your risk of blood clots. Check with your healthcare provider before taking warfarin and coenzyme Q10 together. Your healthcare provider may want to monitor you more closely, especially when starting or stopping coenzyme Q10 or when changing your coenzyme Q10 dosage.
 
(Drug Interactions With Coenzyme Q10 Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;