Navigating Supplements and Blood Thinners: Do Magnesium Supplements Interfere with Eliquis?

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Millions of Americans take anticoagulants like Eliquis to prevent blood clots, but supplement interactions are a common concern [1.5.5]. So, the pressing question for many is: do magnesium supplements interfere with Eliquis and its effectiveness?

Quick Summary

Current drug interaction databases show no direct interaction between most common forms of magnesium and Eliquis (apixaban). However, magnesium can have mild effects on blood clotting, making medical consultation essential.

Key Points

No Direct Interaction Found: Major drug interaction checkers report no direct interactions between common magnesium supplements (like citrate, oxide, glycinate) and Eliquis (apixaban) [1.2.1, 1.2.4, 1.3.7].
Theoretical Bleeding Risk: Magnesium has known antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties, which could theoretically increase bleeding risk, though the clinical significance at oral doses is not established [1.6.2, 1.6.5].
Avoid Magnesium Salicylate: A specific form, magnesium salicylate, interacts with Eliquis and increases bleeding risk due to its salicylate component, similar to aspirin [1.3.1, 1.3.8].
Consult a Professional: Due to the potential risks and complexity, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before taking any magnesium supplement with Eliquis [1.2.1].
Know Other Interactions: Many common drugs and supplements, including NSAIDs (ibuprofen), St. John's Wort, and grapefruit, have known interactions with Eliquis that can be dangerous [1.5.5, 1.5.9].

Understanding Eliquis and Its Function

Eliquis, with its active ingredient apixaban, is a widely prescribed anticoagulant, commonly known as a blood thinner. It belongs to a class of drugs called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and works by specifically inhibiting Factor Xa, a crucial component in the body's blood clotting process [1.2.8]. By blocking Factor Xa, Eliquis makes the blood less likely to form dangerous clots, which is vital for patients with conditions like atrial fibrillation (to prevent stroke) or for treating and preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) [1.5.5].

Because Eliquis directly impacts the coagulation cascade, its interaction with other substances—including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements—is a significant safety concern. Any substance that also affects blood clotting can potentially increase the risk of bleeding or, conversely, reduce the efficacy of Eliquis, increasing the risk of clot formation [1.5.5].

The Role of Magnesium in the Body

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. It is critical for muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, and energy production. While essential for overall health, magnesium also plays a complex and sometimes contradictory role in blood coagulation [1.6.2].

Some research indicates that magnesium can have mild anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects. It can compete with calcium, another mineral that is vital for activating several steps in the clotting cascade [1.6.2]. Studies, particularly those involving intravenous (IV) magnesium, have shown it can prolong bleeding time and inhibit platelet aggregation [1.6.4, 1.6.7]. Conversely, magnesium deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis (clotting) and reduced fibrinolysis (the breakdown of clots) [1.6.6]. This dual nature makes understanding its potential interaction with powerful anticoagulants like Eliquis particularly important.

The Direct Interaction: What the Data Says

When checking major drug interaction databases, standard forms of magnesium supplements (such as magnesium citrate, oxide, glycinate, sulfate, and malate) are not listed as having a direct, clinically significant interaction with Eliquis (apixaban) [1.2.1, 1.2.4, 1.3.7, 1.2.3, 1.2.5]. This lack of a formal warning suggests that, for many people, concurrent use is not expected to cause a major adverse event.

However, these resources consistently provide a crucial disclaimer: the absence of a documented interaction does not definitively prove that no interaction exists [1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3]. The theoretical potential for magnesium to influence bleeding risk, however small, means that caution is warranted.

A Critical Exception: Magnesium Salicylate

It is vital to distinguish between different forms of magnesium. One specific form, magnesium salicylate, does have a documented moderate interaction with Eliquis [1.3.1, 1.3.8]. The concern here is not the magnesium, but the salicylate component. Salicylates, like aspirin, have antiplatelet effects and can significantly increase the risk of bleeding when combined with an anticoagulant like apixaban [1.3.6]. Therefore, you should avoid any product containing magnesium salicylate while taking Eliquis.

Supplements and Medications That Interact with Eliquis

To provide context, it is helpful to know which supplements and medications carry a known risk of interacting with Eliquis. This underscores the importance of discussing all substances you take with your healthcare provider.


Substance Category	Interaction with Eliquis	Examples	Source(s)
NSAIDs	Increases risk of serious bleeding.	Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve), Aspirin	[1.5.4, 1.5.5]
Certain Antidepressants	SSRIs and SNRIs can increase bleeding risk.	Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Duloxetine (Cymbalta)	[1.5.2, 1.5.4]
Herbal Supplements	Can increase bleeding risk or decrease Eliquis effectiveness.	St. John's Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, Ginger, High-Dose Fish Oil, Turmeric	[1.3.9, 1.4.1, 1.4.2]
Certain Antifungals/Antibiotics	Can increase the concentration and side effects of Eliquis.	Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin, Rifampin	[1.5.4, 1.5.5]
Foods	Grapefruit can increase Eliquis levels in the body.	Grapefruit, Grapefruit Juice	[1.5.3, 1.5.9]
Common Magnesium Forms	No clinically significant interaction documented.	Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Glycinate	[1.2.1, 1.2.4, 1.3.7]

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Based on current information, most common magnesium supplements do not have a formally recognized interaction with Eliquis [1.2.1, 1.3.2]. However, due to magnesium's theoretical effects on the coagulation system, an abundance of caution is the safest approach [1.6.2, 1.6.5]. The risk may be low, but the consequences of increased bleeding while on an anticoagulant can be severe.

Before starting a magnesium supplement—or any new supplement—while taking Eliquis, it is absolutely essential to consult with your doctor or pharmacist. They can evaluate your individual health status, other medications, and the specific reason for taking magnesium to provide personalized and safe advice. Do not take any supplement containing magnesium salicylate [1.3.8]. Always prioritize a direct conversation with a healthcare professional over general guidance.

For more information on apixaban, you can visit the FDA's drug information page [1.5.6].

Frequently Asked Questions

Most multivitamins are generally considered safe with Eliquis, as the dose of magnesium is typically low [1.4.6]. However, you should always check the label to ensure it does not contain high doses of interacting substances like Vitamin E or St. John's Wort and discuss the specific multivitamin with your doctor [1.4.3, 1.3.9].

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered a safe pain reliever to use with Eliquis [1.5.9]. You should avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) unless specifically approved by your doctor, as they significantly increase the risk of bleeding [1.3.9, 1.5.5].

Unlike some older anticoagulants, there is no specific diet for Eliquis. However, you should avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can interfere with how the body processes the medication, leading to higher levels in your blood and an increased risk of bleeding [1.5.3, 1.5.9].

While magnesium is often used for leg cramps, you must speak with your doctor before starting it. They can assess the potential risks versus benefits in your specific situation, recommend a safe form (avoiding magnesium salicylate), and monitor for any adverse effects [1.2.1, 1.3.8].

Signs of a bleeding problem include unusual bleeding or bruising, red or black tarry stools, coughing up or vomiting blood that looks like coffee grounds, severe headaches, dizziness, or weakness [1.3.1]. If you experience any of these, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Yes, studies have shown that magnesium can inhibit platelet activity and prolong bleeding time, particularly at high concentrations as seen with IV administration [1.6.4, 1.6.7]. While the effect of standard oral doses is less clear, this inherent property is why caution is advised when combining it with an anticoagulant like Eliquis [1.6.2].

You must avoid any supplement containing magnesium salicylate. The salicylate component acts like aspirin and has a documented moderate interaction with Eliquis that increases your risk of bleeding [1.3.1, 1.3.8].