Which fruit should be avoided while taking calcium channel blockers and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors?

Which fruit should be avoided while taking calcium channel blockers and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors?

• A. Orange juice
• B. Apple juice
• C. Grapefruit
• D. No juice

Answer: (C)

Grapefruit contains compounds that inhibit the intestinal enzyme CYP3A4, which normally metabolizes many drugs you take by mouth. When this enzyme is blocked, the body can’t break down certain calcium channel blockers and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) as efficiently, leading to higher levels of the drugs in the blood. That increases the risk of side effects like statin-induced muscle toxicity (including rhabdomyolysis) and excessive blood pressure lowering or other calcium-channel–related effects. Because of this interaction, grapefruit juice should be avoided if you’re taking these medications. Other juices like orange or apple don’t have the same strong CYP3A4-inhibiting effect for these drugs, and drinking no juice doesn’t add any interaction risk. If you’re unsure about what you can drink, check with your healthcare provider.

Grapefruit contains compounds that inhibit the intestinal enzyme CYP3A4, which normally metabolizes many drugs you take by mouth. When this enzyme is blocked, the body can’t break down certain calcium channel blockers and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) as efficiently, leading to higher levels of the drugs in the blood. That increases the risk of side effects like statin-induced muscle toxicity (including rhabdomyolysis) and excessive blood pressure lowering or other calcium-channel–related effects. Because of this interaction, grapefruit juice should be avoided if you’re taking these medications. Other juices like orange or apple don’t have the same strong CYP3A4-inhibiting effect for these drugs, and drinking no juice doesn’t add any interaction risk. If you’re unsure about what you can drink, check with your healthcare provider.