Comment
Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Last two medications in this list work by decreasing the activity of a hormone called angiotensin 2, which naturally increases blood pressure. One study found blood levels of nifedipine increased dramatically when taken with about 2 cups (500 mL) of grapefruit juice, compared with no juice. This resulted in a rapid drop in blood pressure, which could be dangerous if unsupervised (6).Losartan is unusual in that grapefruit decreases its effects, potentially limiting its ability to control blood pressure (7). Eplerenone works similarly to losartan, but its levels increase when taken with grapefruit. Excessive eplerenone levels can cause too much potassium in the blood, which can interfere with heart rhythm (1). Alternatives: Spironolactone (Aldactone), a similar drug to losartan and eplerenone, does not interact with grapefruit. Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a calcium channel blocker like felodipine and nifedipine, which also does not interact with grapefruit (6, 8). SUMMARYThough grapefruit does not interfere with most blood pressure medications, it can cause a few medications to overcorrect blood pressure.Grapefruit influences a few medications that treat abnormal heart rhythms. These interactions can be particularly dangerous and include: AmiodaroneDronedarone (Multaq)A study gave 11 men who were taking amiodarone a glass of grapefruit juice (about 300 mL). Drug levels increased by up to 84%, compared with those not drinking the juice (9). These two medications play a critical role in managing the health of patients with heart rhythm disorders. Grapefruit-related changes in levels of these drugs have occasionally caused dangerous heart rhythm changes (10).SUMMARYAlthough only a few heart rhythm medications interact with grapefruit, the side effects can be dangerous.Collectively called antimicrobials, these anti-infection medications vary widely in their actions and breakdown in the body. Although antimicrobials are one of the most diverse categories of medications, there are only a few medications with known important grapefruit interactions: ErythromycinRilpivirine and related HIV drugsPrimaquine and related antimalarial drugsAlbendazoleErythromycin is used to treat several types of bacterial infections. A study comparing grapefruit juice with water in patients taking erythromycin showed that the juice increased the drug’s blood levels by 84% (11).Excess levels of this medication can disrupt heart rhythm (11).Grapefruit also increases levels of the HIV medications rilpivirine and maraviroc, in addition to primaquine-related antimalarial drugs. This may affect heart rhythm or function (1). Because antimicrobials are generally taken for a limited time, perhaps it’s easiest to simply avoid grapefruit while taking these medications. Alternatives: Clarithromycin is a medication in the same class as erythromycin that does not interact with grapefruit. Doxycycline is both an antibiotic and antimalarial drug that also does not interact with it (1). SUMMARySome anti-infection medications should not be used with grapefruit, as they can lead to disrupted heart rhythm or function.Most antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are safe to use with grapefruit. However, several mood medications do interact with it, including: Quetiapine (Seroquel)Lurasidone (Latuda)Ziprasidone (Geodon)Buspirone (Buspar)Diazepam (Valium)Midazolam (Versed)Triazolam (Halcion)Drugs like quetiapine and lurasidone are used to treat mood and behavioral disorders. Increased levels of these drugs can cause heart rhythm changes or sleepiness (1).Furthermore, diazepam, midazolam, and
Add Comment