INTERACTIONS OF GRAPEFRUIT WITH MEDICATIONS

Grapefruit has become an important part of breakfast. Many people have been attracted to grapefruit because of its cholesterol-lowering abilities and its reported benefits against cancer. However, what is not known, is the possible interaction of grapefruit with many prescription medications. Grapefruit interacts with many cholesterol-lowering drugs, antihistamines, psychiatric medications, and others. In some cases, the results are fatal. The victims may suffer from severe, elevated side reactions that is not normally observed when the drug is administered in prescribed doses. Because of this, the role of grapefruit in initiating this condition may not be known and the health care givers may assign other causes. We will examine the mechanism in which the grapefruit interacts with prescription medications. We will also look into clinical evidences.

Introduction

In The Beginning..The Genesis of the Grapefruit Interaction

How Does Grapefruit Cause Such Interaction with Medications?

What is present in grapefruit juice which causes these drug interactions?

How common is grapefruit juice-drug interactions in clinical practice?

Interaction of Grapefruit Juice with Antihistamines

Interaction of Grapefruit Juice with Cholesterol Lowering Drugs

Grapefruit Juice and Psychiatric Medications

Grapefruit Juice and Calcium Channel Blockers

Grapefruit Juice and Immunosuppressant Drugs

Summary: Medications That are Affected by Grapefruit Juice Use

Foods That Affect Cytochrome P450 

What Should You do If You Are Taking Grapefruit Juice and Prescription Medications?

Revelation - Conclusion

References

Medicinal Properties of Grapefruit