Based on NIH | Is it safe to drink ginger tea at night while taking omeprazole, or does ginger interact with this medication?

Most people can safely drink ginger tea while taking omeprazole, and there is no well‑documented harmful interaction between typical dietary ginger tea and this medication. ^{[1] [2]} That said, concentrated ginger supplements can affect how some drugs work and may increase bleeding risk, so it’s wise to distinguish a mild cup of tea from high‑dose capsules or extracts. ^{[3] [4]}

What we know about omeprazole interactions

• Omeprazole has important interactions with certain prescription drugs (for example, some HIV protease inhibitors and cilostazol), but common foods and herbs are not prominently listed as problems. ^{[1] [2]}
• Regulatory labeling advises telling your clinician about all vitamins and herbal supplements because omeprazole can affect or be affected by other medicines. ^{[1] [5]}

What we know about ginger

• Culinary ginger is widely used for nausea and digestive comfort and is generally well tolerated in food amounts. ^[3]
• Ginger supplements may have blood‑thinning effects and have been linked to increased bleeding risk, especially when combined with anticoagulants or NSAIDs; rare case reports describe serious bleeding with high intake. ^{[3] [6]}
• Some lab studies suggest ginger extracts can interact with liver enzymes (such as CYP2C19) that metabolize drugs, but this was shown in test‑tube experiments and not clearly in people at dietary doses. ^[7]

Could ginger affect omeprazole levels?

• Omeprazole is metabolized by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, and in general, interactions via these pathways are possible but often not clinically significant for most people. ^[8]
• In vitro data show ginger extract can inhibit CYP2C19, theoretically affecting drugs processed by this enzyme; however, these findings come from laboratory models using extract concentrations higher than what a typical cup of tea would contain. ^[7]
• No authoritative medication labels list ginger as a specific interaction for omeprazole, and there is no strong clinical evidence that ginger tea at normal amounts alters omeprazole’s effect. ^{[1] [2]}

Practical guidance for safe use

• Moderation is key: A cup or two of ginger tea per day is generally considered a food‑level amount and is unlikely to meaningfully interact with omeprazole. ^[3]
• Separate timing if sensitive: If you notice any stomach sensitivity, consider taking omeprazole as prescribed (usually before breakfast) and having ginger tea later in the day or evening; this is a precaution rather than a requirement. ^[1]
• Avoid high‑dose supplements unless advised: If you’re considering ginger capsules or concentrated extracts, discuss this with your clinician, especially if you also take blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or regular NSAIDs due to bleeding risk. ^{[4] [6]}
• Watch for bleeding signs: Easy bruising, nosebleeds, black stools, or prolonged bleeding should prompt medical advice, particularly if you use other agents that affect clotting. ^{[3] [6]}
• Report all supplements: Let your healthcare provider know about any herbal products so they can check for individualized risks and interactions. ^{[1] [5]}

Who should be more cautious

• People on anticoagulants or antiplatelets (like warfarin, dabigatran, or aspirin) should be cautious with ginger supplements because of increased bleeding risk; food‑level tea is usually lower risk but still worth discussing. ^{[4] [6]}
• Those with a history of GI bleeding or upcoming surgery should limit or avoid high‑dose ginger products. ^{[3] [4]}

Bottom line

• Ginger tea in typical dietary amounts at night is generally compatible with omeprazole and not known to cause harmful interactions. ^{[1] [2]}
• High‑dose ginger supplements can increase bleeding risk and have theoretical enzyme interactions, so consult your clinician before using concentrated products. ^{[3] [4] [7]}

Would you like guidance on an appropriate daily amount of ginger tea for your situation?