Grapefruit and Citrus: Medications that Don’t Mix Well

Grapefruit and other citrus fruits are a delicious and nutritious part of many people’s diets. However, if you take certain medications, you may need to be careful about how much grapefruit or citrus you consume.

Grapefruit and citrus fruits contain compounds called furanocoumarins that can interfere with enzymes in the liver that break down certain medications. This interference can lead to an accumulation of the medication in the body, which can cause side effects and potentially dangerous interactions.

Some of the medications that can be affected by grapefruit and citrus include:

Statins: These medications are used to lower cholesterol levels. Grapefruit and citrus can increase the amount of statins in your bloodstream, which can increase the risk of side effects such as muscle pain and liver damage.
Calcium channel blockers: These medications are used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. Grapefruit and citrus can increase the levels of calcium channel blockers in your bloodstream, which can cause side effects such as low blood pressure and dizziness.
Antidepressants: Grapefruit and citrus can interfere with the metabolism of some antidepressant medications, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and seizures.
Immunosuppressants: These medications are used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs and to treat autoimmune diseases. Grapefruit and citrus can interfere with the metabolism of these medications, which can lead to increased side effects and decreased effectiveness.

If you take any of these medications, it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the potential risks of consuming grapefruit or citrus. In some cases, your doctor may recommend avoiding these fruits entirely or switching to a different medication.

It’s also important to note that the interaction between grapefruit and medications can last for up to 72 hours after consumption. This means that even if you consume grapefruit or citrus separately from your medication, you may still be at risk for interactions.

In summary, grapefruit and citrus can be a healthy part of your diet, but if you take certain medications, you need to be aware of the potential risks. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine whether you should avoid these fruits or adjust your medication dosage to account for their effects.