Drug Interaction Report

Ginseng and Nifedipine: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Ginseng and Nifedipine interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Nifedipine

Adalat® Adalat® CC Afeditab CR Afeditab® CR Nifedical® XL Nifeditab® CR Procardia Procardia®
+

Ginseng

No brand names on record
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
LinkedIn
Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
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 23 documented Ginseng interactions, 7 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
delayed
Evidence
probable
Severity
Major

What happens

Increased NIFEdipine exposure and reduced NIFEdipine exposure

Interaction Deep Dive

Avoid coadministration of NIFEdipine (CYP3A4 substrate) and ginseng (CYP3A4 inducer) as it may significantly reduce NIFEdipine exposure. Consider alternate antihypertensive treatment21. Concomitant use with ginseng also increased the exposure of NIFEdipine. Ginseng increased the mean plasma concentration of NIFEdipine by 53% at 30 minutes in an open trial of 22 healthy subjects. Effects at other time points were not reported 3.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of NIFEdipine; induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of NIFEdipine

Literature reports

1 report — tap to read

a) Ginseng increased the mean plasma concentration of NIFEdipine by 53% at 30 minutes in an open trial of 22 healthy subjects. Subjects received ginseng 200 milligrams (mg) daily for 18 days and then received a single dose of NIFEdipine 10 mg orally. Mean plasma concentration of NIFEdipine at 30 minutes was increased by 53% versus NIFEdipine alone (statistical significance not stated) 3.

Common questions

Can I take Ginseng and Nifedipine together?

Increased NIFEdipine exposure and reduced NIFEdipine exposure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Ginseng and Nifedipine interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Ginseng or Nifedipine 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 a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (3)

  1. Product Information: NIFEDIPINE oral tablet, extended-release, nifedipine oral tablet, extended-release. Aurobindo Pharma Limited (per DailyMed), East Windsor, NJ, 2024. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: PROCARDIA XL(R) oral extended-release tablets, nifedipine oral extended-release tablets. Pfizer Labs (per Dailymed), New York, NY, 2023. DailyMed
  3. Smith M, Lin KM, & Zheng YP: An open trial of nifedipine-herb interactions: nifedipine with St. John's Wort, ginseng, or Ginkgo biloba (abstract). Clin Pharmacol Ther 2001; 69(2):P86.
Was this write-up helpful?
Nifedipine

Keep reading about Nifedipine

All Nifedipine interactions (325) Nifedipine drug information
Also serious with: Rifabutin Primidone Rifapentine Rifampin
Ginseng

Keep reading about Ginseng

All Ginseng interactions (23)
Also serious with: Relugolix Atogepant Lumateperone Amlodipine
Beyond drug–drug

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:

Nifedipine + Activated Charcoal American Hellebore American Mistletoe Beer Coca Coleus Grapefruit Siberian Cocklebur + 265 more

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.

Coming soon

The instant two-drug checker is on its way.

In the meantime, browse the directory below to look up any drug and see its documented interactions.

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
This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.