Drug interactions
Ginko biloba + Pau d'arco
Severity: Minor
Ginko biloba and Pau d'arco: 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
Pau d'arco contains naphthoquinones, such as lapachol, that may have anticoagulant effects. Together with ginkgo, bleeding risk could theoretically rise, but clinical data are lacking.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ginko biloba and Pau d'arco have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Theoretical additive effect on coagulation (lapachol's vitamin K antagonism) and platelet function (ginkgo).
What to do
Avoid using both in patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets, and report bleeding or bruising promptly.
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 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ginko biloba with Pau d'arco?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ginko biloba and Pau d'arco have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pau d'arco contains naphthoquinones, such as lapachol, that may have anticoagulant effects. Together with ginkgo, bleeding risk could theoretically rise, but clinical data are lacking.
How serious is the interaction between Ginko biloba and Pau d'arco?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid using both in patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets, and report bleeding or bruising promptly.
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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