Questions About Taking Garlic, Cumin And Chili With Eliquis

Answer

I agree chili would be no good without the spices! I'll discuss the three you mention in your question (garlic, chili, and cumin) in regard to drug interactions with Eliquis and metoprolol.

Although the small amounts of each of these that you use in food would be very unlikely to cause clinically significant drug interactions, there are some concerns to be aware of. 

Cumin, Garlic, And Chili With Eliquis

All three of the spices you are asking about (cumin, garlic, and chili) have been reported to have mild-blood thinning effects, and therefore have a theoretical interaction with any drug that does the same (such as Eliquis, warfarin, Pradaxa, Plavix, etc...). You can read more details on each interaction via other pages on our site:

• Eliquis with garlic
• Eliquis with chili
• Eliquis with cumin

However, it is important to note that the purported blood-thinning effects of these spices have generally only been observed in small lab studies (i.e., not in humans).

Additionally, in studies that have linked certain spices to minor bleeding episodes, the spices were generally taken as an extract in supplement form (e.g., garlic extract). It's quite unlikely that the small amount of spice used in food would cause a clinically significant interaction.

Nevertheless, these theoretical interaction is important to be aware of. If you consume foods that contain spices like garlic, cumin, and chili while taking a blood thinner, be sure to keep an eye out for easy bruising or other signs of bleeding.

What About Blood Pressure?

Garlic has been studied for its purported blood-pressure-lowering effects and it's often marketed as helping to support healthy blood pressure (like Garlique).

Taking garlic with metoprolol, a blood pressure medication, could potentially cause blood pressure to drop too low, causing symptoms of hypotension (e.g., lightheadedness, and dizziness).

Again, just like I discussed in the section above, this interaction is likely only of concern if you are taking garlic in the amounts found in supplements. The low amounts of spice used in food likely won't cause a clinically significant interaction, but it is important to be aware of.

Final Words

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