Ginkgo

Generic name: Ginkgo
Drug class: Herbal products

Usage of Ginkgo

Ginkgo is a plant also known as Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo Biloba, Abricot Argente Japonais, Adiantifolia, Arbre aux Ecus, Arbre du Ciel, Arbre Fossile, Bai Guo Ye, Baiguo, Extrait de Ginkgo, Fossil Tree, Graine de Ginkgo, Herba Ginkgo Biloba, Japanese Silver Apricot, Kew Tree, Noyer du Japon, Pei Go Su Ye, Salisburia Adiantifolia, Yen Xing, Yinhsing, Arbe aux Quarante Ecus, Extrait de Feuille de Ginkgo, Ginkgo Folium and other names.

Ginkgo has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating anxiety, certain types of dementia, premenstrual symptoms, vertigo (dizziness), stroke, schizophrenia, or a movement disorder (tardive dyskinesia) caused by taking certain antipsychotic drugs.

Ginkgo has also been used to treat memory problems, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and sexual problems caused by taking antidepressants. However, research has shown that ginkgo may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included altitude sickness, macular degeneration (age-related vision loss), attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, vitiligo (discolored skin), migraine, lung disease, high cholesterol, Raynaud's syndrome, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, blood clots, seasonal allergy, leg pain caused by blood circulation problems, cough, depression, sexual dysfunction in females, asthma, autism spectrum disorder, chronic kidney disease, cocaine Dependence, vision problems, hemorrhoids, intestinal parasite infection, wound healing, and certain type of cancers.

It is not certain whether ginkgo is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Ginkgo should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Ginkgo is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Ginkgo may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Ginkgo side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop using ginkgo and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

fast, slow, or uneven heart rate, a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

stroke;

ringing in your ears;

a seizure (convulsions);

headache, dizziness or drowsiness, sleep problems (insomnia);

weak pulse, weak or shallow breathing, loss of consciousness; or

unusual bleeding--nosebleeds, bleeding gums, abnormal vaginal bleeding, any bleeding that will not stop.

Common side effects of ginkgo may include:

stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth;

diarrhea, constipation; or

headache, dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Ginkgo

Before using ginkgo, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have certain medical conditions.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have ever had:

diabetes;

seizures or epilepsy;

a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

an allergy to plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac;

food allergies; or

a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Ginkgo may affect fertility in men or women. Pregnancy could be harder to achieve if either parent is using this product.

Ginkgo is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Taking ginkgo during pregnancy could cause bleeding or premature labor.

Ginkgo is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Ask a doctor before using this product.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Relate drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Ginkgo

Do not take ginkgo without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:

any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, or hepatitis C);

anxiety, depression, or a mental illness;

asthma or allergies;

cancer;

erectile dysfunction;

heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);

high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition;

migraine headaches;

psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or

seizures.

Do not take ginkgo without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

insulin or oral diabetes medicine;

a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), Celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ginkgo, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.