Drug interactions
Ginko biloba + Ibuprofen
Severity: Moderate
Ginko biloba and Ibuprofen: 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 biloba may inhibit platelet function, and ibuprofen also impairs platelet aggregation and irritates the gastric mucosa. Together they may increase the risk of bleeding, though evidence is mostly case-based.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ginko biloba and Ibuprofen 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.
Ginko biloba belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet effects, with ginkgolide inhibition of platelet-activating factor and NSAID inhibition of cyclooxygenase.
What to do
Advise patients to report unusual bruising or bleeding and consider stopping ginkgo, particularly with long-term NSAID use or 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
Other interactions of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ginko biloba with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ginko biloba and Ibuprofen 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 biloba may inhibit platelet function, and ibuprofen also impairs platelet aggregation and irritates the gastric mucosa. Together they may increase the risk of bleeding, though evidence is mostly case-based.
How serious is the interaction between Ginko biloba and Ibuprofen?
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 report unusual bruising or bleeding and consider stopping ginkgo, particularly with long-term NSAID use or 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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