Idebenone
Description
Idebenone, the primary ingredient of Idebenone, is a man-made product similar to coenzyme Q-10. It is used to treat vision impairment associated with an eye disease called Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in adults and adolescents. It may also be used to treat symptoms of other neurological disorders including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular diseases, etc.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Idebenone
- Common Cold
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Increased cough
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Headache and dizziness
- Back pain
- Reddish-brown urine
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Reduced blood cell count
- Increase in body fat and cholesterol
- Loss of appetite
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Sleep disturbances
Uses of Idebenone
What is it prescribed for?
- Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)
- Cerebrovascular disorders
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken by this medicine to show its effect is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains effective is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the drug or to discontinue breastfeeding based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to idebenone or any other inactive ingredient present in the formulation.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the drug or to discontinue breastfeeding based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Other medicines
Idebenone may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Change in urine color
This medicine may make your urine reddish-brown in color. This change in urine color is harmless, but caution is advised to ensure that it does not mask any other defects such as kidney or blood disorders.
Eye check up
It is advised to get your eyes tested at regular intervals while taking this medicine.
Liver diseases
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Kidney diseases
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Lactose intolerance
Some formulations of this medicine may contain lactose. If you suffer from a lactose intolerance or lactase deficiency, such formulations may not be suitable for you due to the increased risk of worsening of your condition. Your doctor will suggest an alternative treatment option in these cases based on your clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Dihydroergotamine
Terfenadine
Dabigatran
Digoxin
Tacrolimus
Cisapride
Cyclosporine
Astemizole
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine with food or immediately after food, as advised by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by protecting the cells from damage caused due to oxidation. It also helps in regulating and restoring the energy generation processes in the cells.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antioxidants, Benzoquinones
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 29 August 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Ema.europa.eu. 2018 [cited 29 August 2018]. Available from:
Idebenone [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 29 August 2018]. Available from:
Idebenone - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 29 August 2018]. Available from:
KA L. Idebenone: A Review in Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. - PubMed - NCBI [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 29 August 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 3 Jan 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.