Overview

Idebenone is a man-made product. It is similar to coenzyme Q10.

Idebenone is most commonly used for Alzheimer disease, an inherited disorder that causes vision loss (Leber hereditary optic neuropathy), and a specific type of inherited disorder that causes muscle weakness and muscle loss (Duchenne muscular dystrophy). It is also used for skinwrinkles from sun damage and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

How does it work ?

Idebenone seems to have antioxidant activity, and appears to protect a wide variety of cells from oxidative damage.

Idebenone seems to have antioxidant activity, and appears to protect a wide variety of cells from oxidative damage.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Treating Alzheimer disease. There's some evidence that taking idebenone slows the decline of thinking skills in people with Alzheimer disease. Idebenone appears most effective in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer disease.
  • An inherited condition that causes vision loss (Leber hereditary optic neuropathy). Taking idebenone seems to improve vision in people who have had this condition for less than a year. There's not enough information to know if starting idebenone improves vision in people who were diagnosed with this condition more than 1 year ago.
  • A group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness and muscle loss (muscular dystrophy). There is some evidence that taking idebenone improves airway function, prevents airway infections, and slows long-term loss of airway function in children and teens with a specific type of muscular dystrophy, called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. But it doesn't seem to benefit people with this condition who are already being treated with steroids.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • An inherited disease of the nerves and muscles (Friedreich ataxia). Most research shows that taking idebenone does not improve nerve or heart function in people with Friedreich ataxia.
There is interest in using idebenone for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Idebenone is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. Side effects are uncommon but can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loose stools, a fast heartbeat, or increased risk of infection.

When applied to the skin: Idebenone is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin for a short period of time. Some people are allergic to idebenone when it is applied to the skin.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Idebenone is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. Side effects are uncommon but can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loose stools, a fast heartbeat, or increased risk of infection.

When applied to the skin: Idebenone is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin for a short period of time. Some people are allergic to idebenone when it is applied to the skin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if idebenone is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Idebenone is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth by children who are at least 7 years old. Doses of 300 mg, taken three times each day, have been used safely for up to 12 months. In children who are at least 10 years old, it has been used safely for up to 6 years.

Interactions

We currently have no information for IDEBENONE overview.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:
  • For Alzheimer disease: 90-120 mg of idebenone three times daily.
  • An inherited condition that causes vision loss (Leber hereditary optic neuropathy): 300 mg three times per day with a meal has been used.
CHILDREN

BY MOUTH:
  • A group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness and muscle loss (muscular dystrophy). 900 mg daily for six years has been used in patients aged 10 years and older with a specific type of muscular dystrophy, called Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
  • An inherited condition that causes vision loss (Leber hereditary optic neuropathy): 300 mg three times per day with a meal has been used.
View References

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