coenzyme Q-10

(ko-en-zime-cue-ten) coenzymeQ-10,

coQ10

(trade name),

ubiquinol

(trade name),

ubiquinone

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: antioxidants
Heart failureCoenzyme Q–10 deficiencyMitochondrial disorders Muscular dystrophyImmune stimulant in HIV infectionParkinson's disease

Action

A co-factor in oxidative respiration for the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain important for mitochondrial ATP generation. It also has antioxidant activity and membrane stabilizing ability.

Therapeutic effects

Antioxidant effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poor absorption in the GI tract, absorbed primarily in the small intestine.Distribution: Unknown.Metabolism and Excretion: Metabolized in all tissues, elimination via biliary and fecal excretion.Half-life: 34 hrs.

Time/action profile

	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	Unknown	5–10 hrs	Unknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Obstetric: Pregnancy and lactation; Allergy/hypersensitivity.Use Cautiously in: Hypotension; Surgery (discontinue 2 weeks prior to procedure).

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

dizziness

Cardiovascular

hypotension

Dermatologic

rash

Gastrointestinal

nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
heartburn
decreased appetite

Interactions

HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) can ↓ coenzyme Q-10 levels.May ↑ risk of clotting with anticoagulants.May have additive hypotensive effects with antihypertensives.May protect againstanthracycline -associated cardiotoxicity.Red yeast can ↓ coenzyme Q-10 levels.May have additive hypotensive effects with herbs that can lower BP including fish oil and L-arginine.Oral (Adults) Coenzyme Q-10 deficiency—150 mg daily; Mitochondrial disorders—150–160 mg daily or 2 mg/kg/day; Heart failure—60–100 mg daily; HIV/AIDS—200 mg daily; Parkinson's disease—300–2400 mg daily; Muscular dystrophy—100 mg daily.

Availability

Soft-gel capsules: Tablets:

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

Monitor BP periodically during therapy.
Lab Test Considerations: Monitor coagulation studies periodically during therapy.
- Monitor blood glucose during therapy; may cause hypoglycemia.
- Monitor lipid levels and serum lactate periodically during therapy.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Activity intolerance

Implementation

Oral: Administer with a meal containing fat for optimal absorption.

Patient/Family Teaching

Instruct patient to take with a meal containing fat, as directed.
May cause dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Antioxidant effects in a variety of conditions.

coenzyme Q-10

n. A form of coenzyme Q containing 10 isoprene units that is the most common form in animals and is used as a dietary supplement for its purported antioxidant properties.