Drug interactions
Dong quai + Garlic
Severity: Moderate
Dong quai and Garlic: 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
Dong quai contains coumarin-type compounds and has been linked to increased INR with warfarin, while garlic may impair platelet function. Together they may theoretically raise bleeding risk, especially in patients on antithrombotic drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dong quai and Garlic 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
Theoretical additive effects: coumarin constituents in dong quai affect coagulation and garlic inhibits platelet aggregation.
What to do
Avoid combining the two supplements with anticoagulants or antiplatelets. Monitor for bleeding and stop both before surgery.
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 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 Dong quai with Garlic?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dong quai and Garlic 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. Dong quai contains coumarin-type compounds and has been linked to increased INR with warfarin, while garlic may impair platelet function. Together they may theoretically raise bleeding risk, especially in patients on antithrombotic drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Dong quai and Garlic?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining the two supplements with anticoagulants or antiplatelets. Monitor for bleeding and stop both before surgery.
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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