Can Grapefruit affect medications?

How does grapefruit interact with medications?

Drugs are absorbed in the liver and small intestine through a special group of proteins known as cytochrome P450 (CYPs). These digest the drugs and help the body absorb them properly. Grapefruit and similar fruits such as pomelo and some oranges contain chemicals called furanocoumarins. These affect the nature of the cytochromes that work to digest and absorb drugs, making the absorption process slower and thus increasing the severity of the side effects of the drugs.

One piece of this fruit or one cup of juice is enough to affect medications. This effect may last for three days, which may be dangerous with some medications.

Side effects of consuming grapefruit with some medications

• Irregular heartbeat.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Stomach bleeding.
• A sharp drop in blood pressure.
• Muscle pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Kidney damage.

Drugs affected by grapefruit

1| Some cholesterol medications

Some cholesterol medications known as statins are affected by grapefruit, as the interaction of this fruit with some cholesterol medications may lead to the breakdown of muscle tissue in the body.

2| Some heart rhythm medications

Clinical trials have shown that when grapefruit juice is drunk with some medications that regulate the heartbeat, these medications rise quickly by up to 84%. This change has affected the heart rhythm of those taking these medications.

3| Some blood pressure medications

Most medications used to treat high blood pressure are not affected by grapefruit, except for drugs that fall under the category of calcium channel blockers, which are affected by this fruit and may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure. As for some blood pressure medications, grapefruit may affect the effectiveness of the medication, so it will not work to lower high blood pressure.

4| Some anti-infection drugs

Anti-infection or antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections in the body, and some types of them are affected by grapefruit. It has been shown that this fruit dramatically increases the levels of these medications in the blood, which may affect the regularity of the heartbeat and the heart's health. Therefore, avoiding consuming grapefruit and its juice is preferable when taking antibiotics.

5| Painkillers

Strong prescription pain relievers are significantly affected by grapefruit, as this fruit works to prolong the duration of these pain relievers in the body.

6| Antidepressants and anxiety drugs

Some medications prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders are affected by this citrus fruit. The interaction between grapefruit or its juice and these medications may affect heart health and cause insomnia.

7| Some blood thinners

Blood thinners are used to prevent clots; grapefruit affects some of them, making them less effective. In some cases, their concentration increases, causing severe bleeding.

8| Erectile dysfunction and prostate medications

The interaction of erectile dysfunction medications with grapefruit or grapefruit juice may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure. The interaction of prostate enlargement medications with this fruit or its juice may also cause dizziness and a drop in blood pressure.

9| Some immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressive drugs are commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases and may be used in organ transplants to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. These drugs are affected by grapefruit, and their effect can be dangerous as this interaction can increase the risk of infections, kidney problems, and high blood pressure.

10| Some steroids

Some steroid or corticosteroid medications are affected by grapefruit and its juice, leading to symptoms such as swelling and high blood pressure.

11| Some hormonal medications

Some hormonal medications prescribed to women, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, are affected, especially the ones that contain estrogen because grapefruit naturally raises estrogen levels in the body. Therefore, eating this fruit with estrogen medications significantly increases the level of the hormone in the body, which leads to symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and weight gain. In addition to increasing the possibility of blood clots and breast cancer.

In conclusion,

Grapefruit interacts with proteins in the small intestine and liver, which help absorb most medications. This fruit interacts with some medicines, which may increase their concentration in the blood or sometimes affect their effectiveness. It is essential not to take any medications before reading the enclosed leaflet and knowing if it may interact with any food or other drugs.