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| Dipyridamole;
Indomethacin;
Warfarin
Ajoene, the active antiplatelet component in garlic, potentiated the effect
of physiologically and pharmacologically active antiplatelet agents such as
dipyridamole and indomethacin in vitro (Apitz-Castro et al. 1986).
When administered to patients with myocardial infarction, the essential oil
of garlic increased fibrinolysis by 63% to 69%, thereby enhancing the activity
of warfarin (Bordia et al. 1977). Two cases of a possible interaction between
warfarin and garlic have been reported in patients stabilized on anticoagulant
therapy (Stockley 1999). In one case, the patient's INR values more than doubled
and there was an incident of hematuria eight weeks after ingestion of garlic (3
pearles/day). This situation resolved when the garlic was discontinued, but the
INR rose again when the patient started taking two garlic tablets daily. In the
other case, the patient's INR also increased more than two-fold while the
patient was taking garlic (6 tablets/day). Because of its antiplatelet and
antithrombotic activity, garlic should be used with caution in patients taking
oral anticoagulants (Rose et al. 1990). |
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| References |
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Apitz-Castro R, Escalante J, Vargas R, et al. Ajoene, the antiplatelet
principle of garlic, synergistically potentiates the antiaggregatory action of
prostacyclin, forskolin, indomethacin, and dipyridamole on human platelets.
Thromb Res. 1986;42(3):303-311.
Bordia AK, Joshi JK, Sanadhya YD, et al. Effect of essential oil of garlic on
serum fibrinolytic activity in patients with coronary artery disease.
Atheroscl. 1977;28:155-159.
Rose KD, Croissant PD, Parliamennt CF, et al. Spontaneous spinal epidural
hematoma with associated liver dysfunction from excessive garlic ingestion: a
case report. Neurosurg. 1990;26:880-882.
Stockley IH. Drug Interactions, 5th ed. London, England:
Pharmaceutical Press; 1999:240-241. |
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Copyright © 2000 Integrative Medicine
Communications This publication contains
information relating to general principles
of medical care that should not in any event be construed as specific
instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any
responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising
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including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of
product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied,
is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements
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The reader is advised to check product information (including package inserts)
for changes and new information regarding dosage, precautions, warnings,
interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or
supplement discussed herein. | |
