GINKGO (Ginkgo biloba) - ORAL
Information last revised October 2010
What does GINKGO BILOBA - ORAL look like?
ginkgo biloba 40 mg Cap
Uses:
Ginkgo has been used for improving blood flow, for improving memory/concentration due to certain brain problems (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, dementia), and for relief of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), eye problems, and dizziness. Look for ginkgo products that contain standardized gingko leaf extracts. Avoid using products that contain fresh or roasted gingko seeds. The seeds may contain a toxic chemical. Seizures and death have occurred in people who ate as few as 10 seeds. The risk is higher in children. Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you use. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product for memory loss or brain problems. Your condition may require medical attention. This herbal product should not be used for more than 3 months at a time. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, gabapentin, phenytoin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, piroxicam), omeprazole, trazodone, medications/herbal products that may increase your risk of bleeding (e.g., "blood thinners" such as warfarin and heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel and ticlopidine, herbs such as danshen/garlic/ginger). Aspirin may also increase the risk of bleeding when used with this product. If your doctor has prescribed low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue to take the aspirin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Also report the use of drugs that might increase seizure risk when combined with this product such as isoniazid (INH), phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Keep all regular medical and laboratory test appointments.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness.
Precautions
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: bleeding problems, diabetes, seizures. Ginkgo may decrease the ability of blood to clot. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this product. Stop taking this product at least 2 weeks before your surgery unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor when it is safe to start using this product after your surgery or procedure. Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Ginkgo is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product. It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications and herbal products away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, fainting, irregular heartbeat, inability to move (paralysis), muscle weakness, restlessness, seizures, slurred speech, severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, vision problems. A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
