Drug interactions
Garlic + Ginkgo biloba
Severity: Moderate
Garlic and Ginkgo 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
Both garlic and ginkgo have been associated with impaired platelet function, and bleeding events have been reported with ginkgo. Combined use may increase bleeding risk, particularly with other antithrombotics.
What this interaction means in plain words
Garlic and Ginkgo 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
Additive antiplatelet effects, with ginkgolides antagonizing platelet-activating factor and garlic compounds inhibiting platelet aggregation.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use in patients on anticoagulants or antiplatelets and stop before surgery. Monitor for unusual bleeding or bruising.
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 Garlic with Ginkgo biloba?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Garlic and Ginkgo 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. Both garlic and ginkgo have been associated with impaired platelet function, and bleeding events have been reported with ginkgo. Combined use may increase bleeding risk, particularly with other antithrombotics.
How serious is the interaction between Garlic and Ginkgo 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 concurrent use in patients on anticoagulants or antiplatelets and stop before surgery. Monitor for unusual bleeding or bruising.
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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