Drug interactions
Ginko biloba + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Ginko biloba and Mefenamic acid: 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 has antiplatelet activity and mefenamic acid impairs platelet function and irritates the gastric mucosa. Using them together may raise the risk of bleeding. Evidence is limited to case reports and pharmacological reasoning.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ginko biloba and Mefenamic acid 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; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet effects: ginkgolides antagonize platelet-activating factor while mefenamic acid inhibits COX-1-mediated thromboxane production.
What to do
Ask patients about ginkgo use and advise stopping it if an NSAID is needed regularly. Monitor for signs of bleeding such as black stools, bruising or hematuria.
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 Mefenamic acid
- Ketorolac intranasal + Mefenamic acid Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Mefenamic acid Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Mefenamic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Mefenamic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Mefenamic acid Major
- Alteplase + Mefenamic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ginko biloba with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ginko biloba and Mefenamic acid 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 has antiplatelet activity and mefenamic acid impairs platelet function and irritates the gastric mucosa. Using them together may raise the risk of bleeding. Evidence is limited to case reports and pharmacological reasoning.
How serious is the interaction between Ginko biloba and Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Ask patients about ginkgo use and advise stopping it if an NSAID is needed regularly. Monitor for signs of bleeding such as black stools, bruising or hematuria.
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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