• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Interactions

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

There is evidence that the ginger rhizome (underground stem) may increase stomach acid production. As a result, it theoretically may work against the effects of antacids, sucralfate (Carafate®), or anti-reflux medications such as H-2 blockers like ranitidine (Zantac®) or proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazole (Prevacid®). In contrast, other laboratory and animal studies report that ginger may act to protect the stomach.

In theory, ginger may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications (although clear human evidence is lacking). Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

In theory, large doses of ginger may increase the effects of medications that slow thinking or cause drowsiness. Ginger may also interfere with medications that change the contraction of the heart, including beta-blockers, digoxin, and other heart medications. Because ginger can theoretically lower blood sugar levels, it may interfere with the effects of insulin or diabetes medications taken by mouth.

Ginger may interact with drugs broken down by the liver or with xanthine oxidase drugs.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

In theory, ginger may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding (although clear human evidence is lacking). Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, fewer cases with garlic, and two cases with saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

In theory, ginger with large amounts of calcium may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Study results suggest that dietary phytochemicals, such as capsaicin, curcumin, [6]-gingerol, and resveratrol, have inhibitory effects on P-glycoprotein and potencies to cause drug-food interactions.

Ginger may also theoretically lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also affect blood sugar.

Ginger may interact with herbs broken down by the liver or with xanthine oxidase herbs.

Attribution

This information is based on a professional level monograph edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): E-P Barrette, MD (Case Western Reserve); Ethan Basch, MD (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center); Samuel Basch, MD (Mt. Sinai Medical Center); Steve Bent, MD (University of California, San Francisco); Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD (University of Toronto); Sean Dalton, MD, PhD, MPH (University of Cambridge, UK); Michael Smith, M.R.PharmS., ND (Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine); Philippe Szapary, MD (University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine); Natasha Tiffany, MD (Ohio State University); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).