Idebenone is a man-made derivative of the compound CoQ10 and belongs to the quinone family. It is designed to enhance and maintain CoQ10’s antioxidant properties.
Idebenone was originally created to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that affect cognition, but it is being studied for other uses, such as treating neuromuscular disease.
In the U.S., Idebenone is considered a drug, because it contains a synthetic ingredient. As a result, it does not qualify under the definition of a dietary supplement as determined by the Food and Drug Administration. It is legally sold in supplement form in other countries.
Those who want to buy Idebenone 150 MG tablets or other oral supplements containing this substance should be aware that they are not sold in the U.S. as a dietary supplement. This ingredient is commonly sold in the form of skin creams or bulk powders intended for topical application.



- Potent anti-oxidant for anti-aging benefits
- Supports ATP production & enegry levels
- Promotes cognitive function & memory
Common Uses of Idebenone
Related Topics
According to the Natural Medicines Database, common uses of Idebenone include managing Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and liver disease.
It has also been used to manage Friedreich’s ataxia, which is a disorder that affects the nervous system and increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Idebenone supplements have had other uses as well, such as managing nerve and muscle disorders, cerebrovascular disease, Leber’s disease and mitochondrial encephalomyopathies.
Idebenone has also been used to slow the effects of aging on the brain and body. It has been used to enhance cognitive performance as well.
Idebenone tablets are approved for medicinal use in other countries, but they have not yet been approved in the United States, Canada or Australia.
Effects of Idebenone
Idebenone has the ability to cross cellular membranes more easily than CoQ10, which might help it take effect more quickly.
Higher concentrations of Idebenone are found in the brain, liver, gut and kidney, although this compound is also found in other tissues.
The antioxidant properties of Idebenone might protect cells from oxidative stress by preventing lipid degradation, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [1]
Idebenone oral supplements are rated as Possibly Effective for slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in those with moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
The NMD made this determination according to results from a 1998 study that appeared in the Journal of Neural Transmission. [2] This study showed that Idebenone might have the ability to slow cognitive decline that occurs with Alzheimer’s disease.
There is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of Idebenone oral supplements for Friedreich’s ataxia and mitochondrial encephalomyopathies, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [3]
These supplements have not been shown to slow the progression of Friedreich’s ataxia, and study results have been mixed on the effectiveness of Idebenone for managing cardiac hypertrophy that occurs with ataxia.
How to Buy Idebenone
Idebenone is not sold online or in stores in the U.S. as an oral dietary supplement.
Those who want to know where to buy Idebenone capsules or other supplements containing this compound might be able to find them being sold from countries that allow them on the market as over-the-counter drugs or supplements.
Idebenone is also available as a cosmetic ingredient that can be purchased online in bulk powder form or as a topical skin cream. Some of these products are labeled as having anti-aging properties, but more research is needed to validate these claims.
There are no standard dosages of Idebenone, although the Mayo Clinic states that taking doses of 60 mg/kg or less per day is likely safe. [4] The exact dosage needed depends on factors such as age and overall health.
Dosages for those with Alzheimer’s disease have ranged between 90 to 120 mg three times per day, and dosages for Friedreich’s ataxia have ranged between 5 to 10 mg/kg three times a day in divided doses, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [5]
Those who want to buy Idebenone online should check with their doctor to find out what dosage to take.
Safety of Idebenone 150 mg Tablets
Idebenone supplements have been associated with mild side effects, although they are generally considered well tolerated. The mild side effects that have been observed with these supplements include nausea, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety and insomnia, according to a 1994 study published in Functional Neurology. [6]
Headaches can also occur in some people who take idebenone supplements. However, side effects in general are not common when using idebenone pills.
Daily doses of up to 75 mg/kg have been tolerated without causing a higher risk of side effects, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [7]
Those who use idebenone as a skin cream should be aware that these products can cause reactions in some people. These reactions include hives, swelling in the face and itching.
Idebenone is not known to cause any potential drug interactions, but consumers who take medication should ask their doctor before using these supplements. Drug interactions are likely to be similar to those experienced with Co Q10 supplements.
As with any supplements, those who want to buy Idebenone 150 MG tablets, powder or capsules should talk to their doctor first, especially if they have medical conditions or take medications.
Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should avoid using Idebenone due to insufficient information on the effects of these supplements.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. Idebenone. 2015.
- Gutzmann, H., Hadler, D. Sustained efficacy and safety of idebenone in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: update on a 2-year double-blind multicentre study. Journal of Neural Transmission. 1998. 54: 301-310.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. Idebenone. 2015.
- Mayo Clinic. Coenzyme Q10: Safety. 2013.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. Idebenone. 2015.
- Bergamasco, B. et al. Idebenone, a new drug in the treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type. Functional Neurology. 1994. May-Jun; 9(3): 161-8.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. Idebenone. 2015.
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment