Dabigatran and Ginkgo: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Dabigatran
Ginkgo
No brand names on record
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.
What happens
Increased exposure of dabigatran and an increased risk of bleeding
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of dabigatran and ginkgo may increase dabigatran exposure. Additionally, ginkgo may exhibit anticoagulant or antiplatelet effects which may increase the risk of bleeding with coadministration. Use with caution, especially in the presence of other bleeding risk factors or other drugs that may increase dabigatran levels1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Possible inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux transport by ginkgo; additive effects on hemostasis
Common questions
Can I take Dabigatran and Ginkgo together?
Increased exposure of dabigatran and an increased risk of bleeding Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Dabigatran and Ginkgo interaction?
It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
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 Dabigatran or Ginkgo 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 (1)
- Steffel J, Collins R, Antz M, et al: 2021 European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation. Europace 2021; 23(10):1612-1676.
Keep reading about Dabigatran
Keep reading about Ginkgo
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
Check another combination
Our instant two-drug interaction checker is almost here.
Still have questions about this combination?
Every question gets a real answer from a licensed pharmacist — free, and usually within a day.
Ask the pharmacist