why does grapefruit affect blood pressure medication?
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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 CYP3A4, so instead of being metabolized, more of the drug enters the blood and stays in the body longer.
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Adverse effects can include acute kidney failure, respiratory failure, internal bleeding and sudden death. While it is well known that some patients should avoid grapefruit, or grapefruit juice, the list of drugs involved has risen sharply in recent years.
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Calcium channel blockers They're used as part of the treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and coronary heart disease. Grapefruit juice interacts with some calcium channel blockers and increases the level of the medicine in your blood.
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The diet plan calls for replacing some meals with grapefruit, which is known for its fat-burning properties. But it can also block production of an enzyme that breaks down drugs. And with no release for the medication, dangerous blood clots can form, causing heart attacks, strokes or gangrene, according to the study.
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Common Side effects of Grapefruit include: decreased levels of red blood cells.
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Note: always consult a doctor before changing or altering your medicines. Lemon is one of the best remedies for hypertension. It is known to make the blood vessels soft and flexible, lowering blood pressure level.
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Drinking grapefruit juice improved insulin sensitivity in mice, regardless of their diet (in people, reduced insulin sensitivity can be a sign of impending diabetes). Grapefruit juice lowered blood sugar as effectively as metformin, a drug widely used to treat people with type 2 diabetes.
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Research has shown that certain fruits, particularly grapefruit and other citrus juices, can interfere with medication efficacy. A review in the journal Pharmacy Practice sought to explore warfarin interactions involving fruits to see which fruits were most commonly associated with these interactions.
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Notes for Consumers: Most foods do not interact with Escitalopram. However, do not significantly alter your intake of grapefruit juice or grapefruit-containing foods while taking Escitalopram, or avoid grapefruit juice if possible. Side effects from Escitalopram may get worse if you drink grapefruit juice.
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Tricor Food Interactions Fenofibrate can be used with other cholesterol-lowering medicines called statins. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with statins and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.
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Drinking grapefruit juice can interact with tramadol, so talk to your doctor before doing so.
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Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between grapefruit and Keppra. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
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Problems can occur for those who are sensitive to statin medications or those who have kidney disease or other illnesses. Side effects from grapefruit-statin interaction can be mild, such as muscle and joint pain. Severe side effects include muscle fiber breakdown and kidney failure.
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Celery might lower blood pressure. Using celery in medicinal amounts along with drugs that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to drop too much.
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Regulate high blood pressure Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Many people do not consume as much fruits and vegetables as they should, and when salt consumption is added, they are nourished rich in sodium.
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If you take one of these drugs with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, your blood pressure can fall too low. In the case of statins, higher blood levels could increase their side effects — including fatigue, muscle aches, and even damage to muscle cells. The more fruit or juice you eat, the greater the effect.
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In a case report, grapefruit juice was found to be a potential factor in a supratherapeutic INR. A 64-year-old male with atrial fibrillation who was taking warfarin was found to have an INR of 6.29 with no significant bleeding or bruising.