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Don't Mix with Grapefruit Juice
While grapefruit juice can be a part of a healthy diet, drinking it while taking certain prescription medications can cause problems.
The ingredients in grapefruit juice inhibit the activities of liver enzymes which are responsible for metabolizing (breaking down) various ingested substances including prescription medications. Inhibiting the action of these liver enzymes allows the medication to accumulate within the circulatory system. That higher than normal concentration of medication in turn increases the risk of side effects. |
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Drugs that lower cholesterol, treat hypertension and relieve anxiety can accumulate in the blood if you ingest grapefruit juice. Some commonly prescribed medications in this category include: Lipitor (lowers cholesterol); Zocor (lowers cholesterol); Norvasc (treats high blood pressure and angina); Tegretol (has various uses); and alprazolam (Xanax) (treats anxiety). |
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Not all medications are affected by grapefruit juice, so you should ask about the possibility of this interaction for any medication your clinician prescribes. The recommendation for all people taking such medications is to completely avoid Seville oranges (which have the same effect) as well as whole grapefruits and grapefruit juice, whether fresh, bottled or canned. Grapefruit juice can inhibit liver enzymes for up to three days, so you should stay away from these products for the entire time you are on the prescribed medication.
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