II. Background
- Fat-soluble, Vitamin-like quinone
- Endogenous compound used in Energy Metabolism within mitochondria
- Highest concentrations in heart, brain, liver, Kidney
- Activity
- Central to electron transfer in ATP production
- Antioxidant scavenger against free radicals
- Decreases Calcium overload
- Protective against ischemia in CHF
III. Medications
- Ubiquinone
- Ubiquinol
IV. Indications: Neurologic
- Parkinsonism (360-1200 mg orally daily)
- Migraine Headaches (150-300 mg orally daily)
V. Indications: Cardiovascular (50-200 mg/day)
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) - unclear benefit
- Hypertension - insufficient evidence
- Coronary Artery Disease - experimental
-
Statin-Induced Myopathy
- Conflicting evidence for benefit
VI. Indications: Miscellaneous
- Diabetes Mellitus (100-200 mg/day) - unclear benefit
- Symptomatic deficiency (rare)
- Effective
- MItochondrial Myopathy (rare, genetic or acquired)
- Effective
VII. Adverse effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (e.g. Diarrhea)
- Divide twice daily for doses >100 mg/day to reduce adverse effects
- Potential risk of Hypoglycemia, Hypotension
VIII. Safety
- Unknown safety in pregnancy
- Unknown safety in Lactation
IX. Drug Interactions
X. References
- (2024) Presc Lett 31(1): 6
- Bonakdar (2005) Am Fam Physician 72:1065-70 [PubMed]