Usage
This combination is primarily used as a dietary supplement to address nutritional deficiencies and support overall health. It is often marketed for male infertility, promoting heart and brain health, boosting immunity, and providing antioxidant benefits. It is used to treat nutritional deficiencies while promoting overall health. It can also be used as adjuvant therapy to treat various disease conditions.
Pharmacological Classification: This is a combination of nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, therefore it does not fall under a single pharmacological classification. Individual components have the following classifications:
- Calcium ascorbate (Vitamin C): Antioxidant, vitamin supplement
- Coenzyme Q10: Antioxidant, mitochondrial nutrient
- Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): Omega-3 fatty acids
- Lycopene and Mixed Carotene: Antioxidants, carotenoids.
- Piperine: Bioavailability enhancer
- Selenium dioxide: Antioxidant, mineral supplement
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin supplement, hematopoietic
- Wheat germ oil: Antioxidant, source of Vitamin E
- Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate: Mineral supplement.
Mechanism of Action: This combination product works through the synergistic effects of its components. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage. Omega-3 fatty acids support cardiovascular and cognitive health. Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell production. Zinc supports immune function and wound healing. Piperine enhances the absorption of other nutrients.
Alternate Names
This combination is sold under various brand names such as Ubiqfit, AV-Ten, Docxis Q10, Luxury, Extramax and MUSQ 10. There are no widely recognized international non-proprietary names for this specific combination.
How It Works
Pharmacodynamics: The combined effects contribute to overall health by improving immune function, protecting against oxidative stress, supporting heart and brain health and improving sperm quality.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Absorption: The individual components are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Piperine enhances the absorption of other components.
- Metabolism: The components undergo metabolism primarily in the liver.
- Elimination: The metabolites are eliminated through urine and feces.
Mode of Action: The components act at the cellular and molecular levels through various mechanisms:
- Antioxidant activity: Vitamin C, CoQ10, lycopene, carotenoids, and selenium neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage.
- Mitochondrial support: CoQ10 is essential for mitochondrial energy production.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.
Receptor Binding/Enzyme Inhibition: No specific receptor binding or enzyme inhibition is known for this combination.
Elimination pathways: The components are metabolized and excreted through renal and hepatic pathways.
Dosage
This combination is typically available as a dietary supplement and dosing is not standardized like pharmaceuticals.
Standard Dosage
Adults: One capsule daily is commonly recommended. However, the specific dose and frequency can vary depending on the brand or manufacturer’s recommendation.
Children: Not recommended for use by children unless specifically directed by a physician.
Special Cases: Insufficient data available for dose adjustments in elderly patients, those with renal/hepatic impairment or comorbid conditions. Consult a physician before using this combination, especially in these situations.
Clinical Use Cases: This combination is not typically used in clinical settings like intubation, surgical procedures, mechanical ventilation, ICU use, or emergency situations.
Dosage Adjustments: Dosage adjustments for patient-specific factors are not well defined for this supplement. It is always recommended to consult with a physician.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
Generally well tolerated. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation might occur. Fishy burps, specifically related to omega-3 fatty acids might also be noticed.
Rare but Serious Side Effects: Allergic reactions to any of the ingredients can occur.
Long-Term Effects: No significant long-term adverse effects have been reported.
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR): No severe ADRs have been documented.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to any of the components. Patients with hypervitaminosis A should avoid this combination due to the presence of mixed carotenes (which are converted to vitamin A in the body).
Drug Interactions
May interact with certain medications:
- Blood thinners: Increased bleeding risk
- Statins: Potential interaction with cholesterol-lowering medications
- Antihypertensive medications: Possible interaction with blood pressure medications
- Chemotherapy drugs: Might reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.
- Anticoagulants: Should be taken with caution while taking this combination
- Retinoid medications: concomitant use should be avoided
- Tetracycline antibiotics: Potential interaction
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Insufficient data on safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare professional before using this supplement.
Drug Profile Summary
- Mechanism of Action: Synergistic action of components to provide antioxidant, immune, cardiovascular, and cognitive support.
- Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated; some may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to any ingredient, hypervitaminosis A.
- Drug Interactions: May interact with blood thinners, statins, antihypertensive, and chemotherapy medications.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Consult with a healthcare professional before using.
- Dosage: Typically one capsule daily for adults. Pediatric and special population dosing should be determined by a physician.
- Monitoring Parameters: No specific monitoring parameters are generally required for this supplement. However, regular health check-ups are always advised.
Popular Combinations: Not applicable, as this is already a multi-component supplement.
Precautions
- Patients with thyroid disorders should exercise caution when taking this medicine due to the involvement of selenium in thyroid function. Similarly, those with liver or kidney conditions and bleeding disorders should be cautious, as excess vitamin A can exacerbate liver disease.
- Individuals with bleeding disorders should consult their doctor before taking this medication due to the potential increased risk of bleeding.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the recommended dosage for this combination supplement?
A: The typical recommendation is one capsule daily for adults. However, it is always best to consult with a physician or follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. Dosages for children and special populations should be determined by a physician.
Q2: Can this combination be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: There is limited data on the safety of this combination during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using this supplement during these periods.
Q3: Are there any known drug interactions with this supplement?
A: Yes, this combination may interact with several medications, including blood thinners, statins, antihypertensive drugs, chemotherapy, anticoagulants and retinoids. It’s crucial to disclose all medications, including OTC drugs and supplements, to your physician before using this supplement.
Q4: What are the common side effects of this combination?
A: Generally, this supplement is well-tolerated. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation may occur. Fishy burps (related to omega-3 fatty acids) might also be experienced.
Q5: Can this supplement replace prescribed medications for heart health or other medical conditions?
A: No, this supplement is not intended to replace any prescribed medication. It should be used as an adjunct to maintain overall health and wellness and address nutritional deficiencies. Always consult your physician before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Q6: Are there any specific contraindications for this supplement?
A: Yes, known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients and hypervitaminosis A are contraindications for its use.
Q7: Can this supplement be used to treat male infertility?
A: While some components of this supplement like CoQ10, lycopene, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc have been associated with improved sperm parameters, this combination is not a standalone treatment for male infertility. Consult with a fertility specialist for proper diagnosis and management of infertility.
Q8: Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this supplement?
A: It is generally advised to stop alcohol intake or limit consumption while using this supplement, as alcohol can interfere with the absorption and utilization of some of the nutrients and may exacerbate potential side effects.
Q9: What is the role of piperine in this combination?
A: Piperine, derived from black pepper, is included in this formulation to enhance the bioavailability of other components, improving their absorption in the body.
Q10: How should this supplement be stored?
A: Store the supplement in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
