Ginkgo - Cephalexin Interaction Details

Interaction Details

Cephalexin is classified as belonging to the following category: Seizure Threshold Lowering Drugs

Theoretically, taking ginkgo with drugs that lower the seizure threshold might increase the risk for convulsions.
Ginkgo seeds contain ginkgotoxin. Large amounts of ginkgotoxin can cause neurotoxicity and seizure. Ginkgotoxin is present in much larger amounts in ginkgo seeds than leaves. Ginkgo leaf extract contains trace amounts of ginkgotoxin. The amount of ginkgotoxin in ginkgo leaf and leaf extract seems unlikely to cause toxicity. However, there are anecdotal reports of seizure occurring after use of ginkgo leaf both in patients without a history of seizure disorder and in those with previously well-controlled epilepsy.

Interaction Rating

Moderate

Likelihood of Occurrence

Possible

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

References

Gregory PJ. Seizure associated with Ginkgo biloba? Ann Intern Med 2001;134:344.
Granger AS. Ginkgo biloba precipitating epileptic seizures. Age Ageing 2001;30:523-5.
Miwa H, Iijima M, Tanaka S, Mizuno Y. Generalized convulsions after consuming a large amount of gingko nuts. Epilepsia 2001;42:280-1.
Arenz A, Kelin M, Flehe K, et al. Occurrence of neurotoxic 4'-O-methylpyridoxine in ginkgo biloba leaves, ginkgo medications and Japanese ginkgo food. Planta Med 1996;62:548-51.
Kupiec T, Raj V. Fatal seizures due to potential herb-drug interactions with Ginkgo biloba. J Anal Toxicol 2005:755-8.

Cephalexin Overview

Cephalexin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; and infections of the bone, skin, ears, , genital, and urinary tract. Cephalexin is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria.
Antibiotics such as cephalexin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

See More Information Regarding Cephalexin

Ginkgo - More Interactions

Ginkgo interacts with 1216 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.

Major	The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur.
Moderate	Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur.
Minor	Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction.
Unknown	No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available.