Coenzyme Q10, or coQ10, is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is essential in the production of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is the central energy source that drives the majority of necessary cellular biological processes. Although coQ10 is ingested in small quantities by food, the majority of this compound is produced naturally in the body. CoQ10 has gained popularity as a dietary supplement in part due to its touted antioxidant and energy-inducing properties. Several side effects and dangerous drug interactions, however, do exist. Consult your doctor before using coQ10.
Anti-Hypertension Medication
According to a 2007 issue of the "Journal of Human Hypertension," a large statistical analysis of several coQ10 clinical trials in regards to treatment of hypertension found that coQ10 would likely be effective, to some degree, as an anti-hypertension agent. Due to its ability to lower blood pressure, it is not advised to take coQ10 with other anti-hypertension medications. This may lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Chemotherapeutic
Antioxidants should be used cautiously with cancer chemotherapeutic drugs, according to MedlinePlus. In certain cases, antioxidants can decrease the effectiveness of cancer chemotherapeutic medications. Although data indicating a potential dangerous interaction with coQ10 and cancer chemotherapeutic drugs are not available, it is a risk that should not be taken lightly. Do not ingest coQ10 if undergoing chemotherapy treatment without first consulting your doctor.
Warfarin
Warfarin, or Coumadin, belongs to the class of anticoagulant medications, which are also commonly known as blood thinners. This medication is important in reducing blood clots, which could have severe health implications if not treated properly. According to MedlinePlus, coQ10 can increase blood clotting. For this reason, taking coQ10 with warfarin may decrease the effectiveness of the anticoagulant medication, increasing the chance of dangerous clots occurring in the body.
Theophylline
Theophylline is medication used to treat breathing difficulty commonly associated with asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. According to a 2008 issue of "Archives of Pharmacal Research," a study conducted at the College of Pharmacy at Yeungnam University in Korea found that coQ10 increased the half-life of theophylline. By causing an increased half-life, coQ10 can increase the time that theophylline is in the body, possibly leading to unwanted side effects. More research is necessary; however, if you are presently taking a form of theophylline, consult your doctor before trying coQ10.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
- MedlinePlus: Coenzyme Q10
- "Journal of Human Hypertension"; Coenzyme Q10 in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Trials Coenzyme Q10 and Hypertension; F.L. Rosenfeldt, S.J. Haas et al.; April 2007
- "Archives of Pharmacal Research"; The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on the Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Theophylline; Rengarajan Baskaran, Srinivasan Shanmugam et al.; July 2008
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