Idebenone
Idebenone is a synthetic antioxidant and coenzyme Q10 analog used primarily to treat Friedreich's ataxia and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. It works by improving mitochondrial function and protecting cells from oxidative damage. This medication is typically prescribed for patients with specific genetic mitochondrial disorders.
Idebenone is an antioxidant medication used to treat genetic mitochondrial disorders like Friedreich's ataxia and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06BX13
- RxNorm
- 51296
- Generic
- Idebenone
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
discontinue before delivery if possible
fetal monitoring and contraction monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
idebenone may be excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding mothers should avoid use
infant monitoring if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 2 yearsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in children under 2 years
no established monitoring parameters
pediatric_age
children 2 to 12 yearsweight-based dosing if used
use only under close medical supervision for approved indications
regular pediatric assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 and olderstart with lower dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity; monitor for cardiovascular effects
regular cardiac monitoring, blood pressure checks
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno adjustment needed
no significant dose adjustment required for mild impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; dose reduction recommended due to decreased clearance
renal function monitoring, drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentno adjustment needed
no significant dose adjustment required for mild impairment
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 25%
use with caution; monitor liver function tests
regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 50%
use only if benefits outweigh risks; close monitoring required
frequent liver function tests, drug level monitoring if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Primary mechanism
Mechanism of action information
Idebenone is primarily used to treat Friedreich's ataxia (a rare genetic disorder causing progressive nerve damage) and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (a hereditary form of vision loss). It may also be used off-label for certain cognitive disorders and has been studied for potential benefits in Alzheimer's disease and other conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction.
Idebenone acts as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, similar to coenzyme Q10. It helps improve cellular energy production and has potent antioxidant properties that protect cells, particularly nerve cells and retinal cells, from oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Idebenone may cause side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, and headache. Patients with known hypersensitivity should avoid this medication. Treatment should be supervised by a specialist familiar with the specific condition being treated. Regular monitoring of liver function may be recommended during therapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy