John Myers
Taking certain medications and eating grapefruit (a hybrid of grapefruit and orange) at the same time can have dangerous consequences. So-called furanocoumarins in grapefruit, but also in lime and bitter oranges, can block enzymes in the body that are essential for the breakdown of various drugs. As a result, a drug can have a significantly stronger effect or dangerous interactions can occur. In some cases, it is of no use if there is a longer time window between the consumption of the grapefruit and the administration of the medication. If in doubt, we strongly recommend that you consult your doctor.
However, not all medicines are affected. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you can eat citrus fruits if you regularly take certain medications such as birth control pills, antihypertensive, or antihistamines for allergies.
If you have to regularly take medicines that don’t go well with grapefruit, you still don’t have to give up citrus fruits altogether. Oranges, for example, do not cause any problems. Fruits such as pears, apples, or bananas are also considered harmless in this context. Information about this can also be provided on the package leaflet. If you are unsure, however, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist.
