Drug interactions
Cilostazol + Ginko biloba
Severity: Minor
Cilostazol and Ginko biloba: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Ginkgo extracts have reported antiplatelet activity through inhibition of platelet-activating factor, and cilostazol is itself a platelet inhibitor. Taken together they could modestly increase bleeding tendency, although clinical evidence is inconsistent and mostly based on case reports.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cilostazol and Ginko biloba have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cilostazol belongs to Cardiovascular; Ginko biloba belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet effects: ginkgolides antagonize platelet-activating factor while cilostazol inhibits phosphodiesterase 3 in platelets.
What to do
Ask patients about herbal use and advise against routine ginkgo use during cilostazol therapy. Monitor for bruising, nosebleeds or other bleeding if the combination continues.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ginko biloba
- Ginko biloba + Ketorolac Major
- Abciximab + Ginko biloba Moderate
- Aceclofenac + Ginko biloba Moderate
- Acemetacin + Ginko biloba Moderate
- Alteplase + Ginko biloba Moderate
- Anagrelide + Ginko biloba Moderate
Other interactions of Cilostazol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cilostazol with Ginko biloba?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cilostazol and Ginko biloba have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ginkgo extracts have reported antiplatelet activity through inhibition of platelet-activating factor, and cilostazol is itself a platelet inhibitor. Taken together they could modestly increase bleeding tendency, although clinical evidence is inconsistent and mostly based on case reports.
How serious is the interaction between Cilostazol and Ginko biloba?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Ask patients about herbal use and advise against routine ginkgo use during cilostazol therapy. Monitor for bruising, nosebleeds or other bleeding if the combination continues.
What other medicines interact with Ginko biloba?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ginko biloba with, for example, Ketorolac, Abciximab, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Ginko biloba page.
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