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
- Alternative agents not affected by Grapefruit
 
- 
                          Calcium Channel Blockers- Agents affected
- Alternative agents not affected by Grapefruit
 
- 
                          Statins- Agents affected
- Alternative agents not affected by Grapefruit
 
- 
                          Immunosuppressants- Agents affected
 
- 
                          Protease Inhibitors- Agents affected
- Alternative agents not affected by Grapefruit
 
- 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]
