how ginkgo interacts with other drugs

Researchers are learning more about how ginkgo interacts with other drugs.

Omeprazole. Ginkgo reduces omeprazole levels up to 40%... probably by inducing CYP450 enzymes that metabolize omeprazole.

A similar interaction probably also occurs with other proton pump inhibitors...esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole.

Researchers are trying to determine which enzymes are involved...and which patients are likely to be affected.

For now, keep ginkgo in mind if patients aren't getting the expected benefit from their proton pump inhibitor.

Antiplatelets or anticoagulants. Ginkgo has antiplatelet effects. Warn patients about combining ginkgo with drugs that can increase bleeding...aspirin, clopidogrel, NSAIDs, warfarin.

Ginkgo might also inhibit warfarin metabolism. Advise patients to have their INR monitored closely while taking ginkgo.

Anticonvulsants. Ginkgo might lower the seizure threshold.

Tell patients to avoid ginkgo if they are taking anticonvulsants for seizures.

Also caution patients about combining ginkgo with drugs that lower the seizure threshold such as bupropion...fentanyl... methylphenidate... theophylline... or cyclosporine.

All these potential drug-herb interactions are in our Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database - Herb/Drug Interaction Checker. For details, go to naturaldatabase.com.

• Other: Drug Interactions with Ginkgo