From the Guidelines
Ginger may interact with several medications, particularly anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, and it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before using ginger supplements, especially for patients taking warfarin, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. When considering the potential interactions between ginger and medications, it is crucial to prioritize the most recent and highest quality studies. According to the study published in 2022 1, ginger does not appear to interact with warfarin at modest doses. However, the same study highlights the importance of being cautious when consuming herbal supplements due to the lack of standardization and quality control. Some key points to consider:
- Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin, as suggested by the study published in 2012 1.
- The interaction risk is generally higher with concentrated ginger supplements than with the amounts typically used in cooking.
- Ginger may also interact with certain blood pressure medications, such as calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers, possibly increasing their effects.
- Additionally, ginger may interfere with the absorption of some medications when taken simultaneously, which can lead to adverse effects. It is essential to note that the study published in 2022 1 provides more recent and relevant information on the potential interactions between ginger and medications, and its findings should be prioritized when making clinical decisions.
From the FDA Drug Label
Botanicals that contain salicylate and/or have antiplatelet properties: Agrimony*Dandelion†Meadowsweet‡ Aloe Gel Feverfew Onion¶ Aspen Garlic¶Policosanol Black Cohosh German Sarsaparilla Poplar Black Haw Ginger Senega Bogbean‡Ginkgo Biloba Tamarind Cassia† Ginseng (Panax)¶ Willow Clove Licorice†Wintergreen
Ginger may interact with warfarin and other medications that affect blood elements, as it has antiplatelet properties. It is recommended to monitor the patient's response with additional PT/INR determinations when initiating or discontinuing ginger or other botanicals. 2 2
From the Research
Medications that Interact with Ginger
- Warfarin: Ginger may interact with warfarin, an anticoagulant medication, although the evidence is limited and conflicting 3, 4, 5.
- Antihypertensive medications: Ginger may also interact with medications used to treat hypertension, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, due to its potential to inhibit ACE activity 6.
- Blood-thinning medications: Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other blood-thinning medications, such as antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents 5, 7.
Mechanisms of Interaction
- Pharmacokinetic interactions: Ginger may affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of certain medications, leading to increased or decreased drug levels in the body.
- Pharmacodynamic interactions: Ginger may also interact with medications at the site of action, leading to additive or synergistic effects, such as increased risk of bleeding.
Precautions and Considerations
- Patients taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medications should be cautious when consuming ginger, as it may increase the risk of bleeding 3, 4, 5.
- Patients with hypertension should also be aware of the potential interaction between ginger and their medications, and monitor their blood pressure regularly 6.
- Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential interactions between ginger and various medications, and counsel patients accordingly 5, 7.