Drug interactions
Ginseng + Ketorolac
Severity: Moderate
Ginseng and Ketorolac: 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
Ginseng may have mild antiplatelet effects, and ketorolac strongly inhibits platelet function with a labeled bleeding risk. The combination could add to bleeding risk, although the evidence for ginseng is inconsistent and American ginseng has even reduced warfarin effect in a trial.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ginseng and Ketorolac 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; Ketorolac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Possible additive antiplatelet effects from ginsenosides together with ketorolac's COX-1 inhibition; the ginseng contribution is uncertain.
What to do
Ask about ginseng use and advise avoiding it during ketorolac therapy and before surgery. Monitor for bleeding signs.
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 Ketorolac
- Aceclofenac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Argatroban + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate + Ketorolac Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ginseng with Ketorolac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ginseng and Ketorolac 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 may have mild antiplatelet effects, and ketorolac strongly inhibits platelet function with a labeled bleeding risk. The combination could add to bleeding risk, although the evidence for ginseng is inconsistent and American ginseng has even reduced warfarin effect in a trial.
How serious is the interaction between Ginseng and Ketorolac?
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 about ginseng use and advise avoiding it during ketorolac therapy and before surgery. Monitor for bleeding signs.
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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