A prescribing pharmacist has issued an urgent warning about the risks of consuming grapefruit juice alongside common medications. Ian Budd, a pharmacist at online pharmacy Chemist4U, emphasized that grapefruit juice interacts with drugs such as statins, blood pressure tablets, and antidepressants, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects.
“Grapefruit is one of the biggest culprits for medication interactions,” Budd explains. “It contains natural compounds that inhibit a liver enzyme responsible for breaking down certain medications. This causes higher levels of the drug to remain in your system, intensifying side effects.”
He stressed that even a single glass of grapefruit juice can affect these medications for up to 24 hours, making it safest to avoid grapefruit products completely if you take statins, blood pressure medications like amlodipine, antidepressants, or immune-suppressing drugs.
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This caution aligns with guidance from the NHS, which warns that grapefruit juice can increase the concentration of some statins and raise the risk of adverse effects. With around eight million people in the UK prescribed statins to lower harmful cholesterol, this advice is critical.
Regarding blood pressure medication, the NHS notes that amlodipine’s side effects—including dizziness, flushing, and headaches—can worsen if grapefruit is consumed in large amounts. Patients experiencing these symptoms after grapefruit intake are advised to consult their doctor.
Budd concluded by highlighting the broader importance of understanding how food interacts with medications. “Even healthy choices like fruits or supplements can affect how your medicines work or how they’re absorbed,” he said. “For instance, vitamin K-rich foods can influence blood thinners.”
He urged patients to always discuss any concerns about medication and diet with their healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment.