Why does my medication say avoid grapefruit?

Why does my medication say avoid grapefruit?

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.

What medicines have a grapefruit warning?

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).

Does grapefruit negate medication?

Grapefruit juice blocks enzymes responsible for breaking down medications in the body. The main enzyme affected is one called cytochrome p450 (or CYP450, for short). This can make the medication last longer in the blood and cause unwanted side effects.

What happens if you eat grapefruit while on statins?

Grapefruit contains a chemical that can interfere with your body’s ability to break down or metabolize certain statin medications. When statin takers eat large amounts of grapefruit, the level of statins in their blood can increase, raising the possibility of side effects.

Is it safe to drink grapefruit juice while taking a drug?

This food and drug interaction can be a concern, says Shiew Mei Huang, PhD, of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has required that some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs taken by mouth include warnings against drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking the drug, Huang says.

Is it safe to drink grapefruit soda and take simvastatin?

I need to know if there is a safe duration between drinking grapefruit soda and or eating grapefruit and taking simvastatin. Responses (2) No. Grapefruit can increase the potency of many drugs (including simvastatin) from the normal dose up to 4 to 5 times of the dosage. The effect of the grapefruit can last up to five hours.

What kind of medications can you take with Vytorin?

HIV/AIDS medication – atazanavir, cobicistat, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir. Your doses of certain other medicines may need to be adjusted while you are taking Vytorin. This includes: amlodipine (sometimes in combination medicines – Azor, Caduet, Consensi, Exforge, Lotrel, Prestalia, Twynsta, Tribenzor);

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vytorin?

Vytorin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. What happens if I miss a dose?