David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Ginkgo: Can I take it with ibuprofen?
Question: Is it safe to take ginkgo with ibuprofen? - Lisa / Colorado
Mayo Clinic hypertension specialist Sheldon Sheps, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.
Answer: Probably not.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs can impair blood clotting, typically by blocking the ability of platelets to form clots. Ginkgo ? a dietary supplement used to treat memory problems, dementia and various other conditions ? may also affect the clotting process. Bleeding may be a particular concern when ginkgo is taken with other medications that can affect bleeding, such as ibuprofen. In fact, at least one fatality has been linked to the use of ginkgo and ibuprofen.
Although the extent of ginkgo's blood-thinning ability is still being debated, it's best to be cautious. Don't mix ginkgo with ibuprofen or any other medication that can increase the risk of bleeding.
Question: Is it safe to take ginkgo with ibuprofen? - Lisa / Colorado
Mayo Clinic hypertension specialist Sheldon Sheps, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.
Answer: Probably not.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs can impair blood clotting, typically by blocking the ability of platelets to form clots. Ginkgo ? a dietary supplement used to treat memory problems, dementia and various other conditions ? may also affect the clotting process. Bleeding may be a particular concern when ginkgo is taken with other medications that can affect bleeding, such as ibuprofen. In fact, at least one fatality has been linked to the use of ginkgo and ibuprofen.
Although the extent of ginkgo's blood-thinning ability is still being debated, it's best to be cautious. Don't mix ginkgo with ibuprofen or any other medication that can increase the risk of bleeding.
