Does Lisinopril Interact With Gingko Biloba?

Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question!

There are no known direct interactions between lisinopril and ginkgo biloba, as we detail on our website (Ginkgo - Lisinopril Interaction Details | HelloPharmacist). 

However, it's worth noting that ginkgo biloba may have mild blood pressure-lowering effects due to its vasodilating properties. When combined with lisinopril, this could potentially enhance its blood pressure-lowering effect, leading to lower-than-expected blood pressure in some individuals, which could cause some negative effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.

Additional Details

Ginkgo biloba is thought to have wide-ranging effects, one of which is to enhance the production of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that plays a key role in vasodilation.

Increased levels of nitric oxide cause the relaxation of smooth muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels. This relaxation leads to the widening of the vessels, improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure.

As a result, combining ginkgo with antihypertensive medications like lisinopril could lead to additive effects. This may result in lower-than-intended blood pressure, which could cause symptoms such as:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting spells
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue

It's important to note that while vasodilation is known to lower blood pressure, several clinical studies evaluating ginkgo's effects on blood pressure have shown minimal impact.

For example, one study that assessed ginkgo supplementation in elderly men and women found no significant differences in blood pressure changes between the ginkgo biloba and placebo groups over a median follow-up of 6.1 years. Ginkgo biloba did not affect the rate of new hypertension or the use of antihypertensive medications, regardless of initial hypertension status (Effect of Ginkgo biloba on blood pressure and incidence of hypertension in elderly men and women - PubMed (nih.gov)).

Final Words

Overall, there doesn’t appear to be a direct interaction between lisinopril and ginkgo biloba.

However, based on ginkgo's effects on nitric oxide production, it could theoretically cause mild drops in blood pressure. Due to this, it’s important to monitor your blood pressure closely, especially if you are taking medication like lisinopril.

I hope you found this answer helpful. Please feel free to reach out again if you have any more questions.

Thanks!