Cardi Q

Cardi Q (Coenzyme Q10 50 mg) is indicated for Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and mitochondrial disorders. It is also used as adjunct therapy in congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and high blood pressure (hypertension) in combination with other medications. Additional uses include prophylaxis of migraine headache, supportive therapy in Parkinson's disease, improvement of immune function, male infertility, and muscular dystrophy.

Dosing should be individualised based on the indication and patient response. Representative doses reported in clinical literature are as follows:

Coenzyme Q10 deficiency (primary)

High-dose supplementation of 5–50 mg/kg/day.

Congestive heart failure and cardiovascular support

Dose is variable; refer to current cardiology guidelines (ACC/AHA/HFSA).

Migraine prophylaxis

100–400 mg daily.

Statin-associated muscle pain (myalgia)

50 mg twice daily, or 100–600 mg daily.

Peyronie's disease

300 mg daily for 24 weeks.

General supplementation

Typical supplementation doses range from 50 mg to 200 mg daily.

To improve tolerability, the total daily dose may be divided into two or three smaller doses taken throughout the day rather than as a single large dose.

Coenzyme Q10 capsules should be taken by mouth. Because CoQ10 is fat-soluble, absorption is significantly improved when taken with a meal containing fat. To reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects, the total daily dose should be divided into two or three smaller amounts and taken at different times of the day rather than all at once.

Coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenone) is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like molecule present in cellular membranes throughout the body. It functions as an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, where it facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells. It also acts as a potent antioxidant, stimulating antioxidant enzyme production (including superoxide dismutase), reducing lipid peroxidation, and preserving nitric oxide to support vascular function and blood flow.

CoQ10 exists in two interconvertible forms: the oxidised form (ubiquinone) and the reduced form (ubiquinol), with ubiquinol accounting for approximately 95% of the circulating form in the blood.

Absorption is slow owing to the molecule's high molecular weight and fat-soluble nature; it is significantly enhanced when taken with a fatty meal. After intestinal absorption, CoQ10 is incorporated into chylomicrons and redistributed via lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, and HDL). Tissue concentrations are highest in organs with high energy demand — heart, liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscle. Elimination occurs primarily via the biliary and faecal route, with minor urinary excretion.

Coenzyme Q10 is generally well tolerated. Side effects, when they occur, are usually mild and gastrointestinal in nature.

Common: Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain or discomfort.

Less common: Mild insomnia (reported at doses of 100 mg/day or more), dizziness, headache, fatigue, irritability, heartburn, photophobia.

Uncommon: Transient elevation of liver enzymes has been observed in some patients taking 300 mg or more daily; no liver toxicity has been reported. Increased involuntary movements have been noted rarely.

• Known hypersensitivity to Coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenone, ubiquinone, ibedenone, mitoquinone, vitamin Q10) or any excipient of the formulation.
• Biliary obstruction (CoQ10 is primarily eliminated via the biliary/faecal route).
• Concurrent use with chemotherapy (insufficient safety data).

Hepatic impairment

Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Coenzyme Q10 is contraindicated in biliary obstruction due to its primary route of elimination.

Renal impairment

Limited evidence is available. In patients with chronic kidney disease, use should be restricted to confirmed primary CoQ10 deficiency, in line with current nephrology guidelines.

Diabetes mellitus

CoQ10 may reduce fasting blood glucose levels. Patients with diabetes or those prone to hypoglycaemia should be monitored closely, and dose adjustment of antidiabetic therapy may be required.

Monitoring in primary CoQ10 deficiency

Patients treated for primary CoQ10 deficiency should undergo periodic monitoring including urinalysis (for proteinuria), renal function tests, neurological evaluation, ophthalmological assessment, and audiometry as clinically indicated.

General

Keep out of reach of children. If you are taking any prescription medications, consult a physician before starting CoQ10 supplementation.

Hepatic impairment

Use with caution. Avoid in patients with biliary obstruction.

Renal impairment

Limited evidence; restrict use to confirmed primary CoQ10 deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Paediatric patients

No established dosing recommendations for children exist in the general literature. High-dose CoQ10 (5–50 mg/kg/day) has been used in paediatric primary CoQ10 deficiency under specialist supervision.

Elderly patients

No specific dosing adjustments are established for elderly patients. Use with the same general cautions as the adult population.

Pregnancy

According to the manufacturer, Coenzyme Q10 is not recommended during pregnancy. Safety data in pregnant women are limited, and the supplement should be used only if clearly indicated and under medical supervision.

Lactation

Coenzyme Q10 is a normal component of human breast milk. However, the manufacturer advises against use during breastfeeding. No clinical data exist on the safety or efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation in nursing mothers or their infants. Until adequate evidence is available, use during lactation is generally not recommended.

Coenzyme Q10 has a favourable safety profile. Toxicity is considered unlikely at daily intakes up to 1,200 mg. No established toxic blood level has been defined, and CoQ10 toxicity has not been reported even at the highest supplementation levels studied. In the event of suspected overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a Poison Control Centre. Supportive and symptomatic care should be provided as required.

Warfarin (anticoagulants)

Coenzyme Q10 may reduce the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, potentially leading to treatment failure. This interaction is reversible. Patients on warfarin therapy should have their INR monitored closely, and dose adjustment may be necessary.

Chemotherapy agents

Insufficient safety data exist regarding concurrent use with chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., doxorubicin). Concurrent use is generally not recommended until further evidence is available.

Blood pressure medications

CoQ10 may have an additive blood pressure–lowering effect when used with antihypertensive drugs. Blood pressure should be monitored.

Thyroid hormone replacements

A potential interaction with levothyroxine has been noted; patients should be monitored.

Blood glucose–lowering agents

CoQ10 may lower fasting blood glucose levels. Patients with diabetes taking hypoglycaemic agents should be monitored for signs of hypoglycaemia.

What is the price of Cardi Q 50 mg in Bangladesh (BD)?

Cardi Q 50 mg price in Bangladesh is ৳12 per capsule. Prices may vary by pharmacy and are updated regularly on this page.

What is Cardi Q used for?

Cardi Q (Coenzyme Q10 50 mg) is indicated for Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and mitochondrial disorders. It is also used as adjunct therapy in congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and high blood pressure…

Is Cardi Q an antibiotic?

No, Cardi Q is not an antibiotic.