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Is Gingko Biloba Safe To Take For ADHD?

Posted on Mon, 21 Jul 2014

Question: respected doctor
my son aged 10 with mild hyperactive and mild attention deficit with hbg levels 11.20 , not concentrating in studies , diagnosed with mild factor seven deficient, and prolong pt time ,no history of bleeding or brisuing.
i came to know the drug bilovas 40mg ( ginko biloba) is used to treat the above symptoms.,
so please advice for further

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Gingko biloba can be used

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Mr XXXXXX,

Ginko biloba is a dried extract of chinese plant. It has been proved to be effective in management of behavioral and hyperactive behavior of ADHD.
The efficacy of Ginko biloba is comparatively less than Methylphenidate in management of ADHD.

For mild ADHD following recommendation are more useful

1. Positive reinforcement of desirable behaviour by praising or small tangible rewards
2. Punishment strategies like verbal reprimand, non verbal gestures or time out for undesirable behavior.
3. Well structured routine and organized routine routine for child at school and home will be very helpful.

If the symptoms are not controlled or not responding to Methylphenidate, then trial of Gingko biloba can be used.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care

Dr Deepak Kishore

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (6 hours later)

THANKS DOCTOR FOR RESPONSE

KINDLY INFORM ME THE DOSAGE OF METHYLPHENDITE FOR MY SON AGED 10
WEIGHT 29 KGS AND ALSO FOR THE GINKO BILOBA
WHETHER GINKO BILOBA WITH INCREASE HIS BLEEDING TIME AS HE IS FACTOR SEVEN DEFICIENT AND PROLONGED PROTHROMBIME TIME
AND SIDE EFFECTS IF ANY

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dosage mentioned

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

Both the drugs don't affect the coagulation factors.

The dosage of drugs needs to be individualised.
Usually Methylphenidate is started at dosage of 0.25 mg / kg / day in two divided doses. It can be increased upto 1 mg /kg / day under medical supervision.

The dosage of gingko biloba is 1 mg /kg / dose three times a day for minimum of 4 weeks for the benefits to be seen.
One should not start both simultaneously. Initially Methylphenidate can be started.

Take care

Best regards
Dr Deepak

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar