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Does Ginger interact with any drugs?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on June 6, 2023.

Official answer

by drugclasses.com

Over 60 drug interactions are reported with ginger, and may include anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners and pain medicines like morphine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Drug interactions with ginger are not well documented; however, it is known to inhibit thromboxane synthetase, which can prolong bleeding time and may rarely cause interactions with anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners.

Ginger, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, has also been reported to increase blood levels of morphine. Side effects like respiratory distress, profound sedation, coma, and even death may occur. This interaction is considered of high clinical significance, and the combination may need to be avoided as the risk of the interaction may outweigh the benefit.

Most drug interactions reported with Ginger are of moderate clinical significance, meaning you should usually avoid the combinations and use it only under special circumstances when approved by your healthcare provider.

Related questions

What is Ginger?

Ginger is a commonly used flavoring agent, food product, and herbal supplement. It also comes as an herbal supplement in capsules, liquids, and even gummies and chewing gum at retail outlets.

Ginger has been used in the treatment and prevention of motion sickness, vertigo, to increase appetite, and to reduce stomach acidity. Ginger has also been used by some women under medical supervision to reduce severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

  • Check for other possible ginger-drug interactions here.
  • Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist to check for herbal and drug interactions with any medicines you take.

This is not all the information you need to know about Ginger for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References
  • Kharasch ED, Hoffer C, Whittington D, Sheffels P "Role of P-glycoprotein in the intestinal absorption and clinical effects of morphine." Clin Pharmacol Ther 74 (2003): 543-54.
  • National Institute of Health (NIH). Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets. Accessed June 6, 2023 at https://ods.od.nih.gov/
  • Ginger. Natural Products. drugclasses.com. Accessed June 6, 2023 at https://www.drugclasses.com/npp/ginger.html

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