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Drug interactions

Ginko biloba + Phenindione

Severity: Moderate

Ginko biloba and Phenindione: 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

Phenindione is a vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant with a narrow therapeutic range. Ginkgo may add antiplatelet effects, which could increase bleeding even if INR is stable.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ginko biloba and Phenindione 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic effects of vitamin K antagonism and ginkgolide-mediated platelet inhibition.

What to do

Discourage ginkgo use during phenindione therapy. If it is taken, monitor INR and watch for bleeding.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Ginko biloba with Phenindione?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ginko biloba and Phenindione 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. Phenindione is a vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant with a narrow therapeutic range. Ginkgo may add antiplatelet effects, which could increase bleeding even if INR is stable.

How serious is the interaction between Ginko biloba and Phenindione?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Discourage ginkgo use during phenindione therapy. If it is taken, monitor INR and watch for bleeding.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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