Coenzyme Q-10 is similar to a vitamin and is found throughout the body, where it is important to healthy organ function and to provide energy to cells, according to MedlinePlus. It may also be an antioxidant. A deficiency of coenzyme Q-10 is rare but can cause weakness, tiredness and seizures. Coenzyme Q-10 is probably safe for most adults when taken by mouth or applied to the gums, according to MedlinePlus.
Side Effects
Coenzyme Q-10 does causes some mild side effects, according to MedlinePlus. These include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, insomnia, headache, lightheadedness, light sensitivity, tiredness and loss of appetite. Some people also have an allergic reaction that can cause a rash. You can reduce side effects by dividing a single daily dose into two or three smaller doses and taking them throughout the day instead of all at once, according to MedlinePlus.
Blood Pressure
If you have low blood pressure, be careful with coenzyme Q-10 because it may lower blood pressure even further to unsafe levels, according to MedlinePlus. If you take medication for high blood pressure, the supplement may increase its effectiveness. In either case, consult your physician before taking coenzyme Q-10 and it's also a good idea to monitor your blood pressure while taking it to see if problems develop, according to MedlinePlus. If you are undergoing surgery, talk to your doctor about your use of coenzyme Q-10 because it may make it harder for doctors to control your blood pressure during the operation. It's a good idea to stop taking the supplement two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Diabetes
Coenzyme Q-10 may lower blood sugar levels and to problematic levels in those with diabetes, hypoglycemia or taking drugs that lower blood sugar, according to MayoClinic.com. Consult a doctor before using coenzyme Q-10 if this applies to you because you may need to monitor your blood sugar levels or have your medication adjusted.
Other Effects
There have been rare reports of lowered platelet counts, which could cause bleeding, elevated liver enzymes that could lead to liver damage, and altered thyroid hormone levels associated with coenzyme Q-10, according to MayoClinic.com. If you have a bleeding disorder, liver disease or thyroid problems, consult a doctor before taking coenzyme Q-10. A study of heart disease patients on coenzyme Q-10 found that when they exercised vigorously then suffered organ damage because of poor blood flow though it's not clear whether that was caused by the supplement, according to MayoClinic.com. So you might want to avoid excessive exercise when taking the supplement.
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