Drug interactions
Danshen + Garlic
Severity: Minor
Danshen and Garlic: 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
Both garlic and danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) are reported to impair platelet function, so combined use may increase bleeding tendency. Danshen has also been associated with raised INR in patients on warfarin, and the herbs together could compound this effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Danshen and Garlic have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet effects; danshen may also affect coagulation pathways.
What to do
Avoid combining these supplements in patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets, and before surgery. Watch for bruising or bleeding if they are used together.
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 Garlic
- Garlic + Saquinavir Major
- Aceclofenac + Garlic Moderate
- Acemetacin + Garlic Moderate
- Aescin + Garlic Moderate
- Alteplase + Garlic Moderate
- Argatroban + Garlic Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Danshen with Garlic?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Danshen and Garlic have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Both garlic and danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) are reported to impair platelet function, so combined use may increase bleeding tendency. Danshen has also been associated with raised INR in patients on warfarin, and the herbs together could compound this effect.
How serious is the interaction between Danshen and Garlic?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining these supplements in patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets, and before surgery. Watch for bruising or bleeding if they are used together.
What other medicines interact with Garlic?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Garlic with, for example, Saquinavir, Aceclofenac, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Garlic page.
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