Drug interactions
Ginkgo biloba + Heparin
Severity: Moderate
Ginkgo biloba 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
Ginkgo contains ginkgolides that antagonize platelet activating factor, and bleeding has been reported in case reports with anticoagulants. With heparin there may be an increased bleeding risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ginkgo biloba 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
Ginkgolide-mediated platelet-activating factor antagonism may add to heparin's anticoagulant effect.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid ginkgo during heparin therapy. Monitor for bleeding and coagulation parameters if it has been used.
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 Ginkgo biloba with Heparin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ginkgo biloba 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. Ginkgo contains ginkgolides that antagonize platelet activating factor, and bleeding has been reported in case reports with anticoagulants. With heparin there may be an increased bleeding risk.
How serious is the interaction between Ginkgo biloba 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 ginkgo during heparin therapy. Monitor for bleeding and coagulation parameters if it has been used.
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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