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Beta-blockers

Coenzyme Q ₁₀ (CoQ ₁₀ ) —Supplementation Possibly Helpful | Chromium —Possible Helpful Interaction | Coleus forskohlii —Theoretical Interaction

Beta-blockers are used for hypertension as well as for a variety of heart conditions.

Drugs that fall into this family include

Acebutolol hydrochloride (Sectral)
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Alprenolol
Betaxolol hydrochloride (Kerlone)
Bisoprolol fumarate (Zebeta)
Carteolol (Cartrol)
Carvedilol (Coreg)
Esmolol hydrochloride (Brevibloc)
Labetalol hydrochloride (Normodyne, Trandate)
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
Nadolol (Corgard)
Penbutolol (Levatol)
Pindolol (Visken)
Propranolol hydrochloride (Betachron E-R, Inderal, Inderal LA)
Sotalol (Betapace)
Timolol maleate (Blocadren)
and others

Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 )

Supplementation Possibly Helpful

There is some evidence that beta-blockers (specifically propranolol, metoprolol, and alprenolol) might impair the body's ability to utilize the substance coenzyme Q ₁₀ (CoQ ₁₀ ). 1,2 This is particularly worrisome, because CoQ ₁₀ appears to play a significant role in normal heart function. 3 Depletion of CoQ ₁₀ might be responsible for some of the side effects of beta-blockers. In one study, CoQ ₁₀ supplements reduced side effects caused by the beta-blocker propranolol. 4 The beta-blocker timolol may interfere with CoQ ₁₀ production to a lesser extent than other beta-blockers.

Chromium

Possible Helpful Interaction

Beta-blockers have been known to reduce levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. According to one study, chromium supplementation can offset this adverse effect. 5

Coleus forskohlii

Theoretical Interaction

The herb Coleus forskohlii relaxes blood vessels and might have unpredictable effects on blood pressure if combined with beta-blockers.

Last reviewed July 2012 by EBSCO CAM Review Board

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