What are the side effects of Ginkgo biloba extract drops?

Ginkgo biloba extract drops, as a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, are generally safe. However, some individuals may experience side effects after taking them, including gastrointestinal discomfort, nervous system reactions, skin abnormalities, bleeding tendencies, and allergic reactions. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Some patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, or mild stomach pain after taking the medication, mostly due to slight irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa by the drug. These reactions usually occur early in treatment, are generally mild, and may gradually subside with continued use. The likelihood increases when taken on an empty stomach.

2. Nervous system reactions: A minority of individuals may develop dizziness, headache, fatigue, or drowsiness, which are related to the drug's vasodilatory effects and its influence on cerebral blood circulation. Symptoms are typically mild and do not interfere with continued use, but individuals who drive or operate precision instruments should exercise extra caution to avoid accidents caused by reduced concentration.

3. Skin abnormalities:个别 patients may develop itching, erythema, or rashes, usually localized reactions possibly associated with skin sensitivity to the drug's components. If the rash is limited in extent and itching is mild, continued observation may be appropriate; however, if symptoms worsen, the drug should be discontinued promptly and appropriate measures taken.

4. Bleeding tendency: Due to its blood-activating and stasis-resolving properties, prolonged or excessive use of Ginkgo biloba extract drops may increase the risk of bleeding. Manifestations include gum bleeding, nosebleeds, and skin bruising. Individuals with coagulation disorders or those concurrently using anticoagulant medications face a higher bleeding risk and must strictly control dosage and duration of treatment.

5. Allergic reactions: Very rarely, patients may experience severe allergic symptoms such as laryngeal edema, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling, closely related to individual hypersensitivity to the drug's components. These reactions onset rapidly and require immediate discontinuation of the drug and emergency intervention to prevent life-threatening consequences.

Ginkgo biloba extract drops should be taken strictly according to medical instructions; dosage and duration should not be adjusted without authorization. Patients should monitor their physical responses during treatment and avoid concomitant use with other blood-activating herbs or anticoagulant drugs to reduce the risk of adverse effects.