Potential drug-herb interaction with antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs

This is a cross-sectional survey evaluating the use of herbal medicines in medical wards patients that may interfere with the effect of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. Among the 250 patients participated, 42.4% (n=106) were taking herbs with 76 patients (71.7%) using herbs for the past 12 months. Overall, almost 31% (n=23, N=76) of patients were taking one or more of the specified herbal medicines [ginseng (Panax ginseng), garlic (Allium sativum), ginkgo (Gingko biloba) thought to interact with antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The study showed that 21% (n=16, N=76) of patients co-ingested specified herbs with antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, of which half of them were at risk of potential drug-herb interactions. A large proportion of respondents involved in potential drug-herb interaction were elderly people (62.5%, n=5). However, more than 90% of herbal users did not disclose the use of herbal medicine to their health professionals. It is thus prudent for all care givers to be aware of the possibility of drug-herb interaction and inquire about herbal use from patients.