II. Metabolism
- Decreases intestinal Cytochrome P450 3A4
- Increases level of drugs metabolized by CYP 3A4
- Drugs most affected are those with low oral absorption
- Small Grapefruit exposure can lead to Clinically SignificantDrug Interaction
- Single Grapefruit
- One cup of Grapefruit juice
- Effect onset: Within 4 hours of Grapefruit intake
- Effect duration: May persist 24-72 hours
- Grapefruit permanently binds and inactivates CYP 3A4 enzymes
- Enzymes replaced every 48-72 hours
III. Drug Interactions: Increased serum concentrations
-
Antiarrhythmics
- Agents affected
- Amiodarone
- Disopyramide
- Quinidine
- Alternative agents not affected by Grapefruit
- Agents affected
-
Calcium Channel Blockers
- Agents affected
- Felodipine
- Nicardipine
- Nifedipine (Procardia)
- Nimodipine
- Nisoldipine
- Alternative agents not affected by Grapefruit
- Agents affected
-
Statins
- Agents affected
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Lovastatin (Mevacor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Alternative agents not affected by Grapefruit
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Fibric Acids
- Niacin
- Bile acid sequestrants
- Agents affected
-
Immunosuppressants
- Agents affected
-
Protease Inhibitors
- Agents affected
- Alternative agents not affected by Grapefruit
- Amprenavir
- Atazanavir
- Fosamprenavir
- Indinavir
- Lopinavir with Ritonavir
- Ritonavir
- Nelfinavir
- Miscellaneous agents
- Versed
- Estrogens
- Caffeine
- Ticagrelor (Brilanta)
- Increased Gastrointestinal Bleeding risk
- Dronedarone (Multaq)
- Increased Arrhythmia risk
- Eplerenone (Inspra)
- Increased Hyperkalemia risk
- Terfenadine (Seldane)
- Not available in United States since 1998
- Can aggravate QT Prolongation
IV. References
- (1995) Medical Letter 37(955):73
- (2013) Prescr Lett 20(1): 1
- Stump (2006) Am Fam Physician 605-11 [PubMed]
- Dahan (2004) Eur J Clin Nutr 58:1-9 [PubMed]
- Kane (2000) Mayo Clin Proc 75:933-42 [PubMed]