Drug Interactions between Emagrin and Ginger Root

MONITOR: The combined use of low-dose or high-dose aspirin with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the potential for serious gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. Aspirin at anti-inflammatory dosages or higher may also decrease the plasma concentrations of many NSAIDs. The decreases have ranged from none or small (piroxicam, meloxicam, naproxen, tolmetin) to substantial (flurbiprofen, ibuprofen). However, the therapeutic response does not appear to be affected. Investigators theorize that aspirin may displace NSAIDs from plasma protein binding sites, resulting in increased concentration of unbound, or free, drug available for clearance. The increase in NSAID free fraction, and possibly some contributory anti-inflammatory effect from aspirin, may account for the lack of overall effect on therapeutic response.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if aspirin, particularly at anti-inflammatory dosages, is used with other NSAIDs. Concomitant administration of NSAIDs is considered contraindicated or not recommended with aspirin at analgesic/anti-inflammatory dosages by many NSAID manufacturers. During concomitant therapy, patients should be advised to take the medications with food and to immediately report signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and bleeding such as abdominal pain, bloating, sudden dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, anorexia, and melena.

Switch to consumer interaction data

MONITOR: Ginger may potentiate the effects of anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors and thrombolytic agents, possibly increasing the risk of bleeding. Limited data suggest that ginger may decrease platelet aggregation via the inhibition of thromboxane synthetase, although some studies have found no effect on platelet function or thromboxane production or activity. Nevertheless, the interaction was suspected in a 76-year-old patient stabilized on coumarin therapy who developed epistaxis following use of ginger products (pieces of dried ginger, tea from ginger powder) for several weeks. Her INR was greater than 10 (target INR 2.0 to 3.0) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) was 84.4 seconds (normal less than 35 seconds) upon hospital admission. INR and PTT values normalized after ginger intake was stopped and vitamin K given. In contrast, an investigative study found no significant effect of ginger pretreatment for 7 days on clotting status or the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of a single 25 mg dose of warfarin in 12 healthy volunteers.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should consult a healthcare provider before taking any herbal or alternative medicine. In patients who have used ginger and ginger supplements extensively prior to receiving anticoagulation, antiplatelet or thrombolytic therapy, the potential for an interaction should be considered. Close clinical and laboratory observation for hematologic complications is recommended. Patients should be advised to promptly report any signs of bleeding to their physician, including pain, swelling, headache, dizziness, weakness, prolonged bleeding from cuts, increased menstrual flow, vaginal bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding of gums from brushing, unusual bleeding or bruising, red or brown urine, or red or black stools.

Switch to consumer interaction data

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.

Switch to consumer interaction data