What medications interfere with grapefruit juice?

Grapefruit juice can interact with a variety of medications and alter their effectiveness or result in severe adverse reactions. Here are some medications commonly known to have severe interactions with grapefruit juice:

1. Statin Drugs (e.g., Simvastatin, Atorvastatin):

- Grapefruit juice can enhance the absorption and thus the potency of statin drugs. This can increase the risk of muscle damage and kidney dysfunction.

2. Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Nifedipine, Amlodipine):

- Grapefruit juice may lead to increased bioavailability of these drugs, potentially causing excessive blood pressure reduction and other cardiovascular side effects.

3. Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin):

- Consuming grapefruit juice while on anticoagulants can increase their anticoagulant effect, elevating the risk of bleeding complications.

4. Antihistamines (e.g., Fexofenadine):

- Grapefruit juice may hinder the metabolism of certain antihistamines, intensifying their effects and potential side effects.

5. Antiarrhythmics (e.g., Amiodarone):

- Grapefruit juice can augment the concentration of these heart rhythm medications, enhancing their effectiveness but potentially increasing the risk of heart rhythm abnormalities.

6. Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam):

- Grapefruit juice can magnify the sedative effects of benzodiazepines by inhibiting their breakdown.

7. Immunosuppressants (e.g., Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus):

- Consuming grapefruit juice can raise the blood levels of these medications, potentially causing excessive immunosuppression and increasing the risk of infection.

8. Oral Contraceptives:

- Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of oral contraceptives, affecting their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

9. Some Chemotherapeutic Agents:

- Certain chemotherapy drugs, like Irinotecan and Busulfan, may have their metabolism altered by grapefruit juice, influencing their efficacy and safety.

10. Antidepressants (e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine):

- Grapefruit juice can elevate the blood levels of these antidepressants, enhancing their effects and possibly leading to heightened side effects.

11. Antipsychotics (e.g., Haloperidol):

- Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of antipsychotics, leading to increased drug concentrations and potential side effects.

12. Anticonvulsants (e.g., Carbamazepine):

- Grapefruit juice can amplify the blood levels of carbamazepine, enhancing its therapeutic effects but also augmenting the risk of side effects.

It's crucial for individuals taking these or any other medications to consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice regarding potential interactions with grapefruit juice and to follow recommendations to ensure safe medication use.