Drug interactions
Ginseng + Ketoprofen
Severity: Moderate
Ginseng and Ketoprofen: 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
Ketoprofen impairs platelet function and can injure the gastric mucosa, and ginseng has been reported to have variable antiplatelet activity. Taken together they may raise the likelihood of bruising or gastrointestinal bleeding, although the clinical evidence is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ginseng and Ketoprofen 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.
Ginseng belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Ketoprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effect on platelet function, with COX-1 inhibition by the NSAID and possible antiplatelet activity of ginsenosides.
What to do
Ask patients about ginseng use and advise them to report black stools, easy bruising or other bleeding. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time, or consider stopping the herbal product.
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 Ginseng
- Acemetacin + Ginseng Moderate
- Alteplase + Ginseng Moderate
- Argatroban + Ginseng Moderate
- Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate + Ginseng Moderate
- Aspirin rectal + Ginseng Moderate
- Aspirin + Ginseng Moderate
Other interactions of Ketoprofen
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Ketoprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Ketoprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketoprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ketoprofen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ginseng with Ketoprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ginseng and Ketoprofen 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. Ketoprofen impairs platelet function and can injure the gastric mucosa, and ginseng has been reported to have variable antiplatelet activity. Taken together they may raise the likelihood of bruising or gastrointestinal bleeding, although the clinical evidence is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Ginseng and Ketoprofen?
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 ginseng use and advise them to report black stools, easy bruising or other bleeding. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time, or consider stopping the herbal product.
What other medicines interact with Ginseng?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ginseng with, for example, Acemetacin, Alteplase, Argatroban. The full list is on the Ginseng page.
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