Grapefruit drug interaction warning noted for those taking statins, antidepressants

Amid this summer’s sweltering temperatures, many people relax by sipping fruity cocktails, smoothies, or drinking fruit juices.

But a doctor is warning millions of people taking common medications such as statins and antidepressants that eating grapefruit, a “healthy” ingredient commonly used in many summer snacks and drinks, could have serious consequences.

Dr., an Illinois-based physician. “Grapefruit is a welcome snack for most people, but it is important to inform your doctor about the use of large amounts of grapefruit as it can interact with a number of medications,” Nicole James told SWNS news agency.

GRAPEFRUIT COULD MAKE YOUR COFFEE LAST LONGER AS EXPERTS WARN ABOUT HIDDEN RISKS

Common cocktails containing grapefruit include palomas, greyhounds, some margaritas, and sea breezes.

“Grapefruit contains natural compounds, primarily furanocoumarins and flavonoids. These inhibit an important enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A4,” James said.

This enzyme is called CYP3A4.

It plays an important role in breaking down oral medications so that the body can process them properly.

“When you eat grapefruit, it blocks this enzyme,” said James, a clinical research assistant in the department of dermatology at Stanford University.

FAMOUS CHEF SAYS TO MCDONALD’S IF YOU HAVE A CAR, YOU CAN COOK HEALTHY MEALS AT HOME

“This allows drugs that would normally be broken down in the intestinal wall to pass through intact, leading to significantly higher levels of the drug in the blood,” added James.

Since grapefruit juice is a common ingredient, people should be careful with mixed juices, smoothies, and cocktails.

Higher-than-normal concentrations of a drug can cause serious side effects.

As Fox News Digital previously reported, Harvard Medical School also noted that drug concentrations in the blood can rise very quickly and to dangerously high levels.

CLICK FOR MORE LIFE STORIES

“Patients taking statins may experience higher-than-normal levels, which can lead to muscle breakdown and cramping,” James said.

Meanwhile, patients taking certain blood pressure medications such as amlodipine “may experience dizziness and low blood pressure.”

Common cocktails that include grapefruit include palomas (like the one shown above) plus greyhounds, some margaritas, and sea breezes. (iStock)

He said sedatives could also pose a risk, with medications such as midazolam being affected by grapefruit, causing “extreme drowsiness and even slowed breathing.”

Antidepressants such as sertraline also come with a warning to stay away from the fruit.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

For those who think it takes a lot of grapefruit to make an impact, James said that’s not the case.

“Even an amount as small as one grapefruit or 200 mL of juice can cause a clinically significant increase in drug concentrations, and the effect can last up to 72 hours because grapefruit irreversibly inactivates the CYP3A4 enzyme,” he said.

He said people should be careful with mixed juices, smoothies and cocktails since grapefruit juice is a common ingredient.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“If patients swallow large amounts of grapefruit while taking these medications, they should monitor for any symptoms and avoid eating more grapefruit,” James said, advising people to always seek medical advice if they have any concerns.

Grapefruit is a common “healthy” ingredient in many summer drinks, but it can have serious consequences for those taking certain medications. (iStock)

The doctor also cautioned about other ingredients patients should be aware of and reiterated that consulting healthcare professionals beforehand is always a wise move.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

Materials to watch include:

• Ingredients containing vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables or cranberry juice, should be carefully considered by people taking warfarin, which is often prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Products containing milk may reduce the effectiveness of some antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and bisphosphonates (commonly taken to prevent osteoporosis).