Why is grapefruit dangerous while taking certain medicines ?

Answer 1

The acid in the fruit can interact with certain medicines and can cause the active ingredient in the medication to not work as well. Depending on the medication, consuming citrus can actually cause what could be considered an "allergic" reaction and then pose the risk of death.

Answer 2

Certain medications (like cholesterol-reducing or some types of blood pressure meds) are eliminated from the body by a particular enzyme. A chemical in grapefruit also binds to the same enzyme, making the enzyme less available to eliminate the medications that normally would bind. The result is elevated levels of the medications, potentially leading to toxic effects.

Answer 3

TishTash is the closest to correct. For some unknown reason, grapefruit and grapefruit juice can inhibit the enzymes (CYP - the cytochrome family) responsible for the breakdown (metabolism) of several substances (for an explanation of cytochrome P450, go to wikipedia). Inhibiting this enzyme can lead to increased blood levels of certain medications. This is not necessarily the truth for ALL citrus (oranges, lemons, etc).

Answer 4

Because it interacts with the medicines, making them absorb into the body more quickly.

Scientists know that something
in grapefruit inhibits an important
enzyme, CYP 3A4, in the
wall of the intestine. This enzyme
is critical for the breakdown of hundreds
of medications. When its effectiveness
is compromised, blood
levels of such drugs can rise and
trigger undesirable side effects. The
responsible compound in grapefruit
remains elusive.

Answer 5

It (some chemical in the grapefruit) competes for the same site in the liver that detoxifies the medication, leaving you with more medication in your body than is safe.

Answer 6

That is an old wives' tale.

Answer 7

dunno, why don't you try it, and if you make it back to your computer, you can tell us!