Drug interactions
Ginseng + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Minor
Ginseng and Mefenamic acid: 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
Ginseng may have mild antiplatelet effects, and mefenamic acid impairs platelet function and can irritate the gastric mucosa. Concurrent use could modestly add to bleeding risk, though evidence for ginseng is inconsistent.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ginseng and Mefenamic acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ginseng belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Possible additive antiplatelet effects from ginsenosides together with mefenamic acid's COX-1 inhibition; the ginseng contribution is uncertain.
What to do
Ask about ginseng use and monitor for gastrointestinal or other bleeding in patients on regular NSAID therapy.
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 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 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 Ginseng with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ginseng and Mefenamic acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ginseng may have mild antiplatelet effects, and mefenamic acid impairs platelet function and can irritate the gastric mucosa. Concurrent use could modestly add to bleeding risk, though evidence for ginseng is inconsistent.
How serious is the interaction between Ginseng and Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates it minor, 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 monitor for gastrointestinal or other bleeding in patients on regular NSAID therapy.
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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