Grapefruit Juice and Medications

Q:  What's the deal with grapefruit and medications? My doctor recently prescribed a new medication and told me that one of my favorite beverages -- grapefruit juice -- was off limits.

A:  There are several chemical processes our bodies use to break down medications. One of the most important is called the cytochrome p450 system. Grapefruit juice slows this system down. This means that those medications dependent on that system are not being processed at the intended rate, possibly resulting in higher blood levels of the drug that are unsafe.

If you are taking any of the "statins" or cholesterol-lowering medications and as well beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers for blood pressure, grapefruit juice is off limits. Some hospitals have even eliminated grapefruit juice as a beverage option to eliminate the risk. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

"Your Health" provides easy-to-understand information about common health conditions.