Drug interactions
Garlic + Indomethacin
Severity: Minor
Garlic and Indomethacin: 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
Garlic supplements may have mild antiplatelet effects that could add to the bleeding risk of indomethacin. Evidence is limited and mostly theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Garlic and Indomethacin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Garlic belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Indomethacin belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Garlic constituents such as ajoene may inhibit platelet aggregation, adding to NSAID platelet inhibition.
What to do
Counsel patients taking supplemental garlic with indomethacin to report bruising or bleeding. Consider stopping supplements before surgery.
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 Indomethacin
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Indomethacin Major
- Acemetacin + Indomethacin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Indomethacin Major
- Alteplase + Indomethacin Major
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 Indomethacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Garlic and Indomethacin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Garlic supplements may have mild antiplatelet effects that could add to the bleeding risk of indomethacin. Evidence is limited and mostly theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Garlic and Indomethacin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel patients taking supplemental garlic with indomethacin to report bruising or bleeding. Consider stopping supplements before surgery.
What other medicines interact with Indomethacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Indomethacin with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Indomethacin page.
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