Prescription Drugs and Grapefruit Juice Don't Mix

Filed in archive Did you know , Treatment on January 13, 2010

© Muffet

So you've just been from the doctor's office and received drug prescriptions along with instructions to take your pills 3 times a day after every meal. But did you ask with what? Most people would know that general rule never to mix drugs with alcohol, but would it be ok to down your meds with juice? Or coffee? How about with soda?

There are many studies indicating that fruit juices increases the absorption rate of certain minerals from foods, but when it comes to drug uptake, juices, grapefruit juice in particular causes havoc. Substances in grapefruit juice called furanocoumarins and bergamottin interact with certain medications, including some drugs that control blood pressure or lower cholesterol. These substances cause more of these drugs to enter the blood stream, resulting in undesirable and even dangerous side effects.

The bottom line: The best way to down your medicine is still with plain water.