| Drug Interactions:

Clonidine

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - Supplementation Possibly Helpful | Yohimbe - Probable Dangerous Interaction | Coleus forskohlii - Theoretical Interaction

Clonidine is often used to reduce blood pressure as well as to counter symptoms that occur during withdrawal from alcohol and other addictive substances.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Supplementation Possibly Helpful

There is some evidence that clonidine might impair the body's ability to manufacture the substance coenzyme Q ₁₀ (CoQ ₁₀).¹  However, it has not yet been shown that CoQ ₁₀ supplements offer any particular benefit to those taking this medication.

Yohimbe

Probable Dangerous Interaction

If you are taking clonidine, it is not safe to take yohimbe.² 

Coleus forskohlii

Theoretical Interaction

The herb Coleus forskohlii relaxes blood vessels and might have unpredictable effects if combined with clonidine.

References [ + ]

1. Kishi H, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. III. Inhibition of coenzyme Q ₁₀ -enzymes by clinically used anti-hypertensive drugs. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 12(3): 533–540, 1975.

2. Brinker F. Herb contraindications and drug interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998: 140–141.

Last reviewed July 2012 by EBSCO CAM Review Board
Last Updated: 7/25/2012

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