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Botanical

Grapefruit

Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, is a citrus fruit. Supplements often use grapefruit seed extract.

Also listed as Citrus paradisi, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Grapefruit Seed, Grapefruit Extract

CardiovascularLongevityImmune SupportOrgan FunctionWeight Management

Which medicines need checking?

Examples include simvastatin, nifedipine and cyclosporine. Grapefruit can inhibit intestinal CYP3A4, an enzyme that breaks down some medicines, allowing more drug into the blood. It can instead reduce absorption of fexofenadine. Not every medicine in these classes is affected; a pharmacist can check the exact product. 1

Does taking the medicine later solve it?

Health Canada warns that an interaction after one 250 mL glass of juice can last three days or longer. Separating breakfast juice from an evening dose therefore may not prevent it. 2

The German federal health portal also warns that grapefruit juice can strengthen or weaken drug effects, including some medicines for blood pressure, cholesterol and immune suppression. 3

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

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