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Ubidecarenone – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 5 min read

Ubidecarenone also called coenzyme Q10, is a 1,4-benzoquinone. From his name (Q10), the Q refers to the constitutive quinone group, and 10 is related to the number of isoprenyl subunits in its tail. It is a powerful antioxidant, a lipid-soluble and an essential cofactor in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.[rx] The ubidecarenone is the coenzyme destined for mitochondrial enzyme complexes involved in oxidative phosphorylation in the production of ATP. It is fundamental for cells that have a high metabolic demand.[rx] Ubidecarenone is sold as a dietary supplement and is not FDA approved as a drug thus, it is not meant to treat, cure or prevent any disease. FDA does not approve these dietary supplements before sold nor regulate the manufacturing process.[rx]

Coenzyme Q, also known as ubiquinone, is a coenzyme family that is ubiquitous in animals and most bacteria (hence the name ubiquinone). In humans, the most common form is Coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone-10. CoQ10 is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of any medical condition;[1 however, it is sold as a dietary supplement.

Mechanism of Action

Ubidecarenone is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Its functions are the acceptance of electrons from the complex I and II and this activity is vital for the production of ATP. It acts as a mobile redox agent shuttling electrons and protons in the electron transport chain.[rx] Ubidecarenone also presents antioxidant activity in mitochondria and cellular membranes, protecting against peroxidation of lipid membranes as well as inhibiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol.[rx]

Ubidecarenone has roles in many physiological processes including sulfide oxidation, regulation of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and translocation of protons and calcium ions across biological membranes. Studies have shown its beneficial effect in treating cancer, statin myopathy, congestive heart failure and hypertension.

Indications

  • The diet supplements containing ubidecarenone are indicated, as stated in the product label, to assist individuals with cardiovascular complaints including congestive heart failure and systolic hypertension. In the product, ubidecarenone is used to increase the cardiac input as well as for the prevention of several other diseases like Parkinson, fibromyalgia, migraine, periodontal disease and diabetes, based on preclinical studies.[rx] It is important to highlight that these products are not FDA approved and it is recommended to use under discretion.
  • Migraine
  • Essential dietary elements or organic compounds that are required in only small quantities for normal physiologic processes to occur.
  • Organic substances that are required in small amounts for maintenance and growth, but which cannot be manufactured by the human body

Specific Function

  • Accessory subunit of the mitochondrial membrane respiratory chain NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I), that is believed not to be involved in catalysis. Complex I functions in the transfer of electrons from NADH to the respiratory chain. The immediate electron acceptor for the enzyme is believed to be ubiquinone.
  • Flavoprotein (FP) subunit of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) that is involved in complex II of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and is responsible for transferring electrons from succinate to ubiquinone (coenzyme Q). It can act as a tumor suppressor.
  • A transmembrane glycoprotein that is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis as well as in the biosynthesis of nonsterol isoprenoids that are essential for normal cell function including ubiquinone and geranylgeranyl proteins.
  • Energy-dependent efflux pump responsible for decreased drug accumulation in multidrug-resistant cells.
  • Binds LDL, the major cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein of plasma, and transports it into cells by endocytosis. In order to be internalized, the receptor-ligand complexes must first cluster into clathrin-coated pits. (Microbial infection) Acts as a receptor for the hepatitis C virus in hepatocytes, but not through direct interaction with viral proteins (PubMed:10535997, PubMed:12615904). Acts as a receptor for vesicular stomatitis virus (PubMed:23589850). In the case of HIV-1 infection, it may function as a receptor for extracellular Tat in neurons, mediating its internalization in uninfected cells (PubMed:11100124).
  • Binds VLDL and transports it into cells by endocytosis. In order to be internalized, the receptor-ligand complexes must first cluster into clathrin-coated pits. Binding to Reelin induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Dab1 and modulation of Tau phosphorylation (By similarity).

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications have not been identified.

  • low blood pressure
  • liver problems
  • blockage of a bile duct

Allergies

  • Vitamin E Analogues
  • Omega-3(N-3)Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
  • Ubidecarenone (Coenzyme Q10)

Dosage of 

Strengths: 60 mg; 100 mg; 200 mg; 30 mg; 50 mg; 400 mg; 30 mg/5 mL; 10 mg; 30 mg/mL; 10 mg/mL; 90 mg/mL; 100 mg/mL; 90 mg; 300 mg.

Dietary Supplement

Oral: 30 to 200 mg/day

Side Effects

The Most Common 

  • Stomach upset
  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood
  • Nausea

Common

  • Allergies
  • Low blood pressure
  • very low blood pressure–dizziness, severe weakness, feeling like you might pass out.

Rare

  • upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
  • diarrhea;
  • skin rash; or
  • low blood pressure.

Drug Interactions

Pregnancy Category

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

References

  1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/about-site/terms-conditions#Usehttps://clinicaltrials.gov/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68014451https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/67024989http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/meshhome.htmlhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68018977https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68014815
  3. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. https://www.whocc.no/atc_ddd_index/
  5. https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB09270
  6. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Coenzyme-Q10
  7. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/substance/310265165
  8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenzyme_Q10
  9. https://www.drugs.com/international/ubidecarenone.html
  10. https://www.drugs.com/npp/ubiquinone.html
  11. https://www.medicinenet.com/coenzyme_q10_ubiquinone_ubidecarenone-oral/article.htm
  12. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-77955/ubidecarenone

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.