About Idebenone

Idebenone is a man-made product. It is similar to coenzyme Q-10.

Idebenone is used for Alzheimer's disease, Huntington’s disease, liver disease, and heart disease. It is also used for a number of inherited disorders including a condition that causes vision loss (Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy), mitochondrial encephalomyopathies (nerve and muscle disorders), a type of muscular dystrophy called Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Friedreich's ataxia (a nervous system disorder that worsens over time, producing gait and speech problems, and eventually leading toward heart disease and diabetes).

Uses & Effectiveness?

Possibly Effective for

Treating Alzheimer's disease. There's some evidence that taking idebenone slows the decline of thinking skills in people with Alzheimer's disease. Idebenone appears most effective in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer's disease.

A specific type of muscular dystrophy called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. There is some evidence that taking idebenone improves airway function and prevents airway infections in children and teens with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who are not already being treated with steroids. It doesn’t seems to benefit people with this condition who are already being treated with steroids.

An inherited condition that causes vision loss (Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy). Taking idebenone seems to improve vision in people with early stage Leber’s disease. There’s not enough information to know if idebenone improves vision in people diagnosed with this condition more than 1 year ago.

Possibly Ineffective for

An inherited progressive condition affecting the nerves that can lead to heart disease and diabetes (Friedreich's ataxia). Most research shows that taking idebenone does not improve nerve or heart function in people with Friedreich’s ataxia.

Insufficient Evidence for

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies (a group of disorders that lead to muscle and nervous system problems). There is some research that suggests that taking idebenone might reduce symptoms in patients with some of these conditions.
Wrinkled skin. Early research shows that applying a lotion containing idebenone might reduce wrinkles and improve skin quality in middle-aged women.

Side Effects & Safety

Idebenone is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth and when used on the skin. Side effects are uncommon but can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loose stools, a fast heartbeat, or increased risk of infection. Some people are allergic to idebenone when it is applied to the skin.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of idebenone during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.