Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Turmeric may potentiate the bleeding risk associated with drugs that interfere with platelet function or coagulation. In vitro data suggest that curcumin, an active constituent of turmeric, may inhibit platelet-activating factor and platelet aggregation. Isolated case reports have also described increases in INR following initiation of turmeric-containing products in patients treated with a vitamin K antagonist such as warfarin. However, pharmacologic effects of turmeric preparations may be highly variable due to inconsistencies in formulation and potency of commercial herbal products.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when turmeric-containing products are used concomitantly with drugs that affect hemostasis such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and thrombolytic agents. Clinical and laboratory observation for hematologic complications is recommended.