Interactions between grapefruit and medicines

NPS Medicine Wise has published new information about interactions between grapefruit and medicinesthat provides tips to help people avoid any harmful effects.
More than 85 medicines may interact with grapefruit to cause side effects — some which may be serious.

“Grapefruit juice interacts with several common medicines, making them work too strongly or causing side effects,” says Dr Boyden.

“Being medicine wise when it comes to grapefruit interactions is particularly important because of the large and varied list of medicines that could interact.”

“The list includes some commonly prescribed medications including some statins (cholesterol-lowering medicines), some types of medicines for heart conditions and high blood pressure as well as medicines that people may be taking only for a short period of time such as some antimalarial medicines, antibiotics and cough and cold medicines.”

An indicative list of the affected medicines is available on the NPS website. People taking these medicinesare advised not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at all, because even one glass of juice can have an effect. Interactions can occur even when the grapefruit or juice is eaten or drunk at a different time to taking the medicine.

Dr Boyden says that people taking medicines who want to consume grapefruit are encouraged to talk with their doctor or pharmacist or call the NPS Medicines Line.

Over-the-counter and complementary medicines (such as herbs and nutritional supplements) might also interact with grapefruit juice, not just prescription medicines.

For the full media release click here.