Drug interactions
Ginseng + Pau d'arco
Severity: Minor
Ginseng 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, which can interfere with vitamin K and clotting. Ginseng may also affect clotting, so combined use could add to bleeding risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ginseng 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
Lapachol may antagonize vitamin K, with possible additive effects of ginseng on hemostasis.
What to do
Monitor INR and bleeding signs in anticoagulated patients using both products.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ginseng with Pau d'arco?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ginseng 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, which can interfere with vitamin K and clotting. Ginseng may also affect clotting, so combined use could add to bleeding risk.
How serious is the interaction between Ginseng 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: Monitor INR and bleeding signs in anticoagulated patients using both products.
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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