Bad Combination: Grapefruit and Blood Pressure Medications
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice taste refreshing and are particularly popular as a source of vitamin C. However, not everyone benefits from them. People who take tablets should talk to their doctor about whether the effect of their medications may be enhanced by grapefruit or its juice. This does not only concern taking tablets with grapefruit juice but also refers to the consumption of the fruit or juice throughout the entire treatment period. Various medications are affected - including some blood pressure medications.
How does this interaction occur?
To break down foreign or harmful substances, our body has various enzyme systems. The system of interest in this case is located in the intestinal mucosa and the liver. The enzymes help to break down the active ingredient of the medication. However, grapefruit juice can block these enzymes, preventing them from functioning adequately. Consequently, the medication cannot be broken down by the body in the normal manner. More active ingredient enters the bloodstream and can accumulate in the body in this way.
For example, one takes a tablet daily. Normally, a certain portion of the active ingredient is broken down by the enzymes in the body. Therefore, the next tablet is due the following day to achieve the desired effect. However, due to the blocked enzymes, the medication cannot be broken down as intended. A larger amount than intended enters the bloodstream, and the effect of the medication is intensified. When taking the next tablet, there may still be a residue in the body, leading to the accumulation of the medication.
However, it would be reckless to think that one could reduce the tablet dosage in this way. Since it cannot be predicted to what extent the medication can be broken down, no statement can be made about the accumulation that occurs in the body.
Therefore, if you like grapefruits but need to take tablets, you should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
Source:
By Sabine Croci.
This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (03/2024).
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We hope you found the article on the topic helpful. For good blood pressure management, it is important to take the medications correctly. Our app BloodPressureDB is happy to remind you of the intake times.
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