Can you drink grapefruit juice with lipitor

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Recent Blog Articles. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health? This list is not exhaustive and there are a number of other drugs that may interact with grapefruit. The risk of experiencing the effect of a drug interaction as a result of grapefruit can vary a lot from person to person.

For more information check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine, or you can ask your pharmacist or GP or call NHS for advice.

Read the answers to more questions about medicines. Page last reviewed: 14 September Next review due: 14 September Home Common health questions Medicines Back to Medicines. Does grapefruit affect my medicine? Medicines affected by grapefruit Statins Statins are medicines that lower your cholesterol. Calcium channel blockers Calcium channel blockers are medicines that relax the muscles that make up the walls of your arteries. Anticoagulants Anticoagulants are medicines that help to prevent blood clots.

Antiplatelet medicines Antiplatelet medicines prevent platelets a type of blood cell from sticking together and forming blood clots. Ciclosporin and immunosuppressants Ciclosporin, sirolimus and tacrolimus are medicines that moderate your immune system the body's natural defence system. Furanocoumarins are organic chemical compounds present in many different plants, including grapefruit.

This compound deactivates the CYP3A4 enzyme that the body uses to metabolize, or process, these particular statins. Interestingly, the interaction between grapefruit and medications poses a danger only when taken orally. This is because the interaction happens in your digestive tract. If you use a skin patch or receive your medication through an injection, you may have a lower risk of adverse effects. Women and people ages 65 and older are at a higher risk of developing side effects from these statins.

The FDA reports that the risk of muscle breakdown and liver damage can lead to kidney failure. Neurological side effects include confusion and memory loss , according to the Mayo Clinic. The exact amount of grapefruit it takes to have a negative reaction when taking lovastatin, atorvastatin, or simvastatin is unknown.

Just one grapefruit or one glass of grapefruit juice could be enough to cause an interaction in some people. Others may need to consume more of the fruit or juice to have an interaction. According to the Cleveland Clinic , there are instance when consuming moderate amounts of grapefruit appear to be safe. Most incidents of negative reactions involved consuming large amounts of grapefruit.

No one has the same reaction when mixing grapefruit with lovastatin, atorvastatin, or simvastatin. Err on the side of caution and restrict drinking and eating grapefruit if you take one of these statins, at least until you discuss the risks with your doctor. Be mindful that other citrus fruits might also interact with lovastatin, atorvastatin, and simvastatin. The list includes tangelos, pomelos, bitter oranges, and Seville oranges.

Your body has an enzyme called CYP3A4 that breaks down statins. Grapefruit blocks the action of CYP3A4, resulting in a larger amount of the statin medication entering your bloodstream with every dose. Even one grapefruit or one glass of grapefruit juice can cause this effect. Learn more. Related articles. Lipitor vs generic Lipitor: should I switch? Crestor vs. Lipitor: which is better for me? Discover by category. Hair loss.