How does grapefruit juice inhibit drug metabolism?
Many drugs are broken down (metabolized) with the help of a vital enzyme called CYP3A4 in the small intestine. Grapefruit juice can block the action of intestinal CYP3A4, so instead of being metabolized, more of the drug enters the blood and stays in the body longer. The result: too much drug in your body.
Does grapefruit affect alcohol metabolism?
This meant that the taste of alcohol had to be masked, and after some experimentation Dr. Bailey concluded that grapefruit juice was up to the task. To the researchers’ surprise, the alcohol had no effect, but in both groups the blood levels of felodipine were three times higher than expected.
Can you have grapefruit with alcohol?
Some fruit juices and fruits can interact with numerous drugs, in many cases causing adverse effects. The effect was first discovered accidentally, when a test of drug interactions with alcohol used grapefruit juice to hide the taste of the ethanol.
What medications grapefruit interacts with?
Examples of common medications that interact with grapefruit juice include certain statin cholesterol drugs such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin, simvastatin (Zocor), felodipine (Plendil) and other calcium channel blockers, clarithromycin (Biaxin), and loratadine (Claritin).
Why do alcoholics drink grapefruit juice?
In 1989, a group of Canadian researchers studying a blood pressure drug were astonished to discover that drinking a glass of grapefruit juice dangerously increased the drug’s potency. They were testing the effects of drinking alcohol on a medicine called Plendil.
Is grapefruit juice bad for your kidneys?
Grapefruits are great fruits: Citrus juice could keep your kidneys healthy, according to a new study from the U.K. Researchers discovered that a flavonoid called naringenin—found in grapefruit, oranges, and tomatoes—regulates a protein that decreases growths related to kidney cysts, which can lead to kidney failure.
Do grapefruit lower blood pressure?
1. Citrus fruits. Citrus fruits, including grapefruit, oranges, and lemons, may have powerful blood-pressure-lowering effects. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that may help keep your heart healthy by reducing heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure ( 4 ).