Center for Drug Interaction Research and Education
Center for Drug Interaction Research and Education
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Grapefruit/Grapefruit Juice Drug Interaction Information for Patients
Do you like the tangy-sweet taste and nutritional benefits of grapefruit and its juice, but have concerns about potential drug interactions with the fruit? There is a lot of confusing information available on the topic, but what are the facts?
While research on drug interactions with grapefruit juice is ongoing, this Web site is regularly updated with the most current research available on the topic. Scientists and clinical researchers that are experts on the topic agree on the following facts:
- While some prescription medications may interact with grapefruit juice, most do not.
- If you are prescribed a medication that may interact with grapefruit juice and wish to continue consuming this healthy beverage, your physicians often can prescribe non-interacting, alternative medications within the most commonly prescribed drug classes. These medications often can provide the same therapeutic effect with no need to avoid grapefruit juice.
- It is safe to consume grapefruit juice while taking virtually all over-the-counter medications.
- Patients should consult with their pharmacist or doctor if they have any questions about their prescription medication(s).
Grapefruit/Grapefruit Juice General Information
Physicians prescribe various drugs for patients in an effort to achieve a desired therapeutic effect, with minimal side effects. Specific cells in our intestines contain enzymes that metabolize (break down) medications, limiting the amount of the drug the body ultimately may absorb. This breakdown or 'clearance' of a drug is generally part of the evaluation of dosage.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice contain natural substances that can suppress the activity of one of these intestinal enzymes 'CYP3A4'. When the enzyme is suppressed, more of the medication may be absorbed by the body, which may increase the effects of the drug. Increased drug effects may lead to side effects or an adverse reaction to higher level of the medication. Whether you will experience a drug interaction depends on a number of factors, including individual genetics, the type of medication, the dosage and the amount of grapefruit consumed. Despite common belief, most prescription drugs do not show a clinically relevant interaction with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
Please search the database to learn if the prescription drugs you are taking have the potential to interact with grapefruit.
