Drug Interaction Report

Aspirin Rectal and Ginger: Interaction Details

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Jul 11, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Aspirin Rectal

Aspirin
+

Ginger

No brand names on record
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Jul 11, 2026
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Interaction severity
Minor
Usually limited clinical impact.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 385 documented Aspirin Rectal interactions, 4 are rated minor — including this one.
Onset
rapid
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Minor

What happens

Increased risk of bleeding

Interaction Deep Dive

Theoretically, the possible antiplatelet effect of ginger may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with an antiplatelet agent1. Clinical trials have demonstrated a significant effect on platelet aggregation only following a single oral dose of 10 grams of powdered ginger, a higher dose than that usually used 2. Clinical trials using smaller daily doses of raw ginger, cooked ginger, and dried ginger have not shown a significant effect on platelet aggregation 34. Ginger extract did not significantly alter blood coagulation parameters either alone or in combination with warfarin in rats 5. In vitro data demonstrate that ginger may inhibit platelet aggregation 6. The extraction method used may significantly affect the ability of ginger to inhibit platelet aggregation 768.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive antiplatelet effects; ginger may inhibit thromboxane B2 formation and thromboxane synthetase and increase prostacyclin levels

Literature reports

3 reports — tap to read

a) Powdered ginger significantly inhibited platelet aggregation in a placebo-controlled study of 20 patients with coronary artery disease. Patients received powdered ginger, 10 grams as a single dose. Ginger reduced adenosine diphosphate (ADP)- and epinehrine-induced platelet aggregation (p less than 0.05). The platelet response appears to be dose-dependent, as ginger 4 grams daily for 1.5 and 3 months did not exert any appreciable effect on platelet aggregation, fibrinogen, or fibrinolytic activity. All patients had a history of myocardial infarction greater than 6 months old, and all were taking nitrates and aspirin. Aspirin was discontinued 2 weeks prior to the study 2.

b) Raw ginger root had no significant effect on platelet function in 18 healthy volunteers in a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study. Subjects received either raw Brazilian ginger root 15 grams, cooked stem ginger 40 grams, or placebo for 2 weeks. Subjects discontinued use of any medications for 1 month prior to the study. The mean decrease in thromboxane production was 1 +/- 9% for ginger root and 1 +/- 8% for stem ginger as compared to placebo (p=0.984). Mean thromboxane B2 production was unchanged 3.

c) Dried ginger did not affect platelet function in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 8 healthy male subjects. Subjects received 2 grams dried ginger. The change in bleeding time in the ginger group was not significant, but bleeding time was somewhat less after ginger use than pre-treatment or placebo. Ginger did not significantly inhibit aggregation induction ex vivo by either ADP, ristocetin, arachidonic acid, or collagen 3 and 24 hours after consumption 4.

Common questions

Can I take Aspirin Rectal and Ginger together?

Increased risk of bleeding Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Aspirin Rectal and Ginger interaction?

It is rated minor. Usually limited clinical impact.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Aspirin Rectal or Ginger need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?

References (8)

  1. Norred CL & Brinker F: Potential coagulation effects of preoperative complementary and alternative medicines. Alt Ther 2001; 7(6):58-67.
  2. Bordia A, Verma SK, & Srivastava KC: Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostagland, Leukotrienes and Ess Fatty Acids 1997; 56:379-384. DOI
  3. Janssen PLTMK, Meyboom S, van Staveren WA, et al: Consumption of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) does not affect ex vivo platelet thromboxane production in humans. Eur J Clin Nutrition 1996; 50:772-774.
  4. Lumb AB: Effect of dried ginger on human platelet function. Thromb Hemostasis 1994; 71:110-111. DOI
  5. Weidner MS & Sigwart K: The safety of a ginger extract in the rat. J Ethnopharmacol 2000; 73(3):513-530. PubMed
  6. Srivastava KC: Aqueous extracts of onion, garlic and ginger inhibit platelet aggregation and alter arachidonic acid metabolism. Biomed Biochim Acta 1984; 43(8-9):S335-S346.
  7. Srivastava KC: Isolation and effects of some ginger components on platelet aggregation and eicosanoid biosynthesis. Prostagl Leukotr Med 1986; 25:187-198. DOI
  8. Srivastava KC: Effects of aqueous extracts of onion, garlic and ginger on platelet aggregation and metabolism of arachidonic acid in the blood vascular system: in vitro study. Prostagl Leukotr Med 1984a; 13:227-235. PubMed
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