Drug interactions
Danshen + Heparin
Severity: Moderate
Danshen and Heparin: moderate 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
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties and has been associated with enhanced warfarin effect. Combined with heparin it may increase bleeding risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Danshen and Heparin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects of danshen constituents with heparin.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid danshen while on heparin. If used, monitor aPTT or anti-Xa and observe for bleeding.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Heparin
- Defibrotide + Heparin Contraindicated
- Heparin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Heparin + Oritavancin Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Heparin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Heparin Major
- Alteplase + Heparin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Danshen with Heparin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Danshen and Heparin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties and has been associated with enhanced warfarin effect. Combined with heparin it may increase bleeding risk.
How serious is the interaction between Danshen and Heparin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid danshen while on heparin. If used, monitor aPTT or anti-Xa and observe for bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Heparin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Heparin with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Oritavancin. The full list is on the Heparin page.
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