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Warfarin side effects: Watch for interactions

What drugs, supplements and foods interact with warfarin?

Like any other medication, warfarin can interact with certain foods, drugs, vitamins or herbal supplements. An interaction might lower the effectiveness of warfarin or increase your risk of bleeding.

Common drugs that can interact with warfarin include:

  • Aspirin or aspirin-containing products
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or acetaminophen-containing products
  • Antacids or laxatives
  • Many antibiotics
  • Antifungal medications, such as fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • Cold or allergy medicines
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, Naprelan, others)
  • Medications that treat abnormal heart rhythms, such as amiodarone (Pacerone, Nexterone)

Common supplements that can interact with warfarin include:

  • Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)
  • Dong quai
  • Garlic
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Ginseng
  • Green tea
  • St. John's wort
  • Vitamin E

Common foods and drinks that might interact with warfarin include:

  • Cranberries or cranberry juice
  • Grapefruit
  • Alcohol
  • Garlic
  • Black licorice