Meta Information
ID:ginger
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Ginger possesses antiplatelet properties by inhibiting thromboxane synthase, which can be additive with blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin, apixaban), significantly increasing the risk of bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Avoid high-dose ginger supplements if taking any blood-thinning medication; consult your physician before use.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
168
Hours after target:
48
Description:
Ginger's antiplatelet effects can impair normal blood clotting, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgical procedures.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue high-dose ginger supplements at least 1 week before any scheduled surgery and wait until bleeding risk has subsided post-op.
Target id:
/condition/bleeding-disorders
Target name:
Bleeding Disorders
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Due to its antiplatelet properties, ginger can worsen bleeding tendencies in individuals with pre-existing conditions like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
Actionable advice:
Avoid ginger supplements completely if you have a diagnosed bleeding disorder.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Ginger can lower blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity. When combined with diabetes medications (e.g., metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas), this can lead to an excessive drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood glucose closely if combining ginger with diabetes medications and consult your doctor about potential dose adjustments.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Ginger may promote vasodilation and act as a natural calcium channel blocker, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. This effect is additive with antihypertensive drugs, potentially causing hypotension (blood pressure that is too low).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood pressure regularly if combining ginger supplements with blood pressure-lowering medications.
Target id:
/class/immunosuppressants
Target name:
Calcineurin Inhibitors
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Ginger may inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme and P-glycoprotein transporter, which are crucial for metabolizing immunosuppressants like tacrolimus and cyclosporine. This can lead to dangerously high drug levels and increased toxicity risk.
Actionable advice:
Avoid ginger supplements if you are taking calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressants like tacrolimus or cyclosporine.
Target id:
/condition/gallstones
Target name:
Gallstones
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Ginger stimulates the production and release of bile. In individuals with gallstones, this can cause a stone to move and obstruct a bile duct, leading to severe pain (biliary colic).
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before using ginger supplements if you have a known history of gallstones.
Target id:
/class/herbal-anticoagulants
Target name:
Herbal Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The antiplatelet effects of ginger are additive with other supplements that thin the blood, such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, fish oil (high dose), and vitamin E, increasing the cumulative risk of bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Avoid combining multiple blood-thinning supplements unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
While commonly used for morning sickness, high doses of ginger supplements (>1 gram/day) are controversial due to a theoretical risk of affecting fetal hormones or increasing bleeding risk. Culinary amounts are generally considered safe.
Actionable advice:
Consult your obstetrician before using ginger supplements during pregnancy; limit intake to standard culinary amounts.
Target id:
/class/cyp2c9-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Ginger can moderately inhibit the CYP2C9 enzyme, slowing the metabolism of drugs like warfarin, phenytoin, and some NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib). This can increase drug concentrations and the risk of side effects.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult a pharmacist if taking medications metabolized by CYP2C9.
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
CYP3A4 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Some evidence suggests ginger may mildly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, a major pathway for drug metabolism. This could theoretically increase levels of sensitive drugs, such as certain statins or calcium channel blockers.
Actionable advice:
Be aware of this potential interaction, especially if taking drugs with a narrow therapeutic window metabolized by CYP3A4.
Target id:
/class/cyp2d6-substrates
Target name:
CYP2D6 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Ginger may weakly inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme, which metabolizes many antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and opioids. This interaction is generally minor but could affect sensitive individuals.
Actionable advice:
Monitor for increased side effects if you are taking medications primarily metabolized by CYP2D6.
Target id:
/condition/gerd
Target name:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
While ginger often aids digestion, in some individuals it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which may worsen symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux, particularly at higher doses or on an empty stomach.
Actionable advice:
If you have GERD, start with a low dose of ginger and take it with food to assess your tolerance.
Target id:
/condition/cardiac-arrhythmia
Target name:
Cardiac Arrhythmia
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
At very high, non-standard doses, ginger has been anecdotally reported to cause heart palpitations or affect heart rhythm in susceptible individuals. This risk is considered low and not well-established with typical supplement use.
Actionable advice:
Use high-dose ginger supplements with caution if you have a history of cardiac arrhythmias.