Clonidine is often used to reduce blood pressure as well as to counter symptoms that occur during withdrawal from alcohol and other addictive substances.
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.
Probable Dangerous Interaction
If you are taking clonidine, it is not safe to take yohimbe.2
Theoretical Interaction
The herb
Coleus forskohlii
relaxes blood vessels and might have unpredictable effects if combined with clonidine.
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.
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
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