Drug interactions
Dong quai + Ginko biloba
Severity: Moderate
Dong quai and Ginko biloba: 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 constituents and has been linked to raised INR in patients on warfarin. Together with ginkgo's possible antiplatelet effect, the pair may increase bleeding risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dong quai and Ginko biloba 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
Possible additive effects: coumarin-like anticoagulant constituents in dong quai plus platelet-activating factor antagonism by ginkgo.
What to do
Avoid combining them, especially in patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets. If used, watch 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 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dong quai with Ginko biloba?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dong quai and Ginko biloba 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 constituents and has been linked to raised INR in patients on warfarin. Together with ginkgo's possible antiplatelet effect, the pair may increase bleeding risk.
How serious is the interaction between Dong quai and Ginko biloba?
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 them, especially in patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets. If used, watch for bleeding and stop both before surgery.
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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