The common fruit is a breakfast staple for many.
A photograph depicting a box of pharmaceutical tablets, (Image: undefined)
Millions of people across the UK taking certain medications have been warned by the NHS to steer clear of grapefruit.
According to the health service, combining the fruit and its juice with these medicines can lead to serious consequences and alarming side effects.
The warning impacts patients prescribed some of the nation’s most frequently used medications, including certain statins, amlodipine and anti-anxiety tablets. Statins are extensively prescribed drugs that assist in reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
They function by reducing the quantity of cholesterol produced by the liver, which prevents fatty deposits from building up in the arteries. This dramatically reduces the risk of suffering heart attacks and strokes.
Statins act as both a remedy for elevated cholesterol and a preventative measure against future complications. Individuals typically consume them daily in tablet form.
An individual is holding a glass of red juice, possibly a grapefruit juice, with slices of grapefruit on a wooden surface. (Image: undefined)
Amlodipine, marketed under the brand name Istin, belongs to a class of medicine known as calcium channel blockers. It is utilised to assist in reducing elevated blood pressure (hypertension).
For those with high blood pressure, taking amlodipine can help prevent future cardiac issues, heart attacks, and strokes.
Individuals taking certain types of amlodipine medications, particularly calcium channel blockers, must avoid consuming grapefruit. The NHS website states: “Do not take amlodipine with grapefruit juice.
“Having large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase how much amlodipine is in your body and make side effects worse.”
It continued: “If you are affected, you may have to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine.”
The same guidance applies to individuals taking various other medications, including the following:.
It’s advisable to steer clear of grapefruit and its juice when consuming many routine medicines, as it can perilously elevate drug levels in your bloodstream, potentially triggering severe complications such as kidney damage or muscle breakdown. Additional citrus fruits that may interfere with medications include Seville oranges, pomelos, and limes.
Grapefruit inhibits enzymes and transporter proteins (such as CYP3A4 and P-gp) in your digestive system from processing and transporting drugs into your circulation. Consequently, this results in excessive medication entering your bloodstream.
Not every medication is equally influenced by grapefruit juice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before implementing any modifications.
Ensure you examine labels carefully and look out for any “grapefruit” warnings on your medication information leaflets.
Simply avoiding taking them simultaneously isn’t sufficient; you should avoid grapefruit throughout your entire treatment period, unless your GP advises otherwise. Consider other citrus fruits as well, such as Seville oranges, pomelos, and limes, as they can have similar effects.
