Grapefruit makes drugs pack a stronger punch

A healthy breakfast of half a grapefruit? Not advisable if you are taking certain prescription drugs ? the interaction with the fruit could result in an inadvertent overdose.

To find out the extent of the effect, David Bailey of the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada, reviewed the literature and prescribing information of various drugs for any mention of a reaction. He found that of the 85 drugs known to interact with grapefruit, 43 can result in severe adverse effects. The number has increased by 24 per cent since 2008 because new drugs have come onto the market.

Chemicals in the fruit destroy an enzyme in the body that normally breaks down substances such as drugs. That means the drug keeps circulating in the body, which can lead to overdose. A glass of the juice is enough, even if drunk hours before taking a drug, says Bailey.

The most serious adverse effect is a condition known as torsade de pointes, which can cause cardiac arrest and death. It can occur if you mix grapefruit and anticancer drugs.

"Care should definitely be taken with certain drugs," says Bill Widmer of the US Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Piece, Florida, but he adds that there are people who "believe the problem is overstated".

Journal reference: Canadian Medical Association Journal, DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.120951

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