Juices Affecting Drug Absorption
Sep
6
Written by:
9/6/2008
For several years it’s been known that grapefruit juice can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of certain drugs. The problems with grapefruit juice have become so alarming that many hospitals no longer carry grapefruit juice for patients or visitors. However, it turns out that grapefruit juice isn’t the only culprit.
Apple and Orange Juice
In a recent study, David Bailey and his colleagues in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario have found that apple and orange juices can also interfere with medications.
In a paper presented at the August 19 2008 American Chemical Society meeting, Bailey reported that grapefruit, apple and orange juices all contain compounds that can alter how certain medications are carried through the bloodstream and absorbed by the body’s cells. The primary concern is that patients may not get the full benefit of the drug.
Affected Drugs
Drugs affected by these juices include the beta blockers atenolol, celiprolol, and talinololl the immunosuppressant cyclosporine; statin cholesterol lowering agentsl the anticancer drug etoposide; and the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and itraconazole.
Sticking with Water
Because of the possibility of drug absorption being affected by other beverages that haven’t yet been investigated, it’s recommended that all oral medications be taken with water.