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• #Statins and grapefruit professional

While this has been shown to hold true for simvastatin (FloLipid, Zocor), lovastatin (Altoprev), and atorvastatin (Lipitor), grapefruit juice is not associated with higher blood concentrations of pravastatin (Pravachol), which is why it’s sometimes viewed as the safest statin (Fukazawa, 2004). If there’s a higher concentration of these drugs in your body, they’re able to block more cholesterol from being made. Statins, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, work to lower cholesterol by-as the name suggests-inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that controls the rate at which cholesterol is made by the body. But furanocoumarins interfere with this process, which may lead to higher than expected levels of drugs in the body ( Fukazawa, 2004).ĭrinking grapefruit juice has been shown in past studies to increase the blood levels of certain medications, including some statins, allergy medications, immunosuppressive drugs, and anti-HIV medications. CYP3A4 helps break down the medication in the small intestine, thereby reducing the amount that ever makes it into your blood. During this process, your body uses certain enzymes to break down the drugs. What are the risks of mixing grapefruit and statins?ĭrugs that are taken orally, like Lipitor, are absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and pass through the liver before being distributed to the rest of the body. Men’s healthcare, without the waiting roomĬonnect with a US-licensed healthcare provider about ED, premature ejaculation, hair loss, and more. (In case you’re worried about your breakfast juice of choice, several common sweet orange varieties such as navel and valencia do not contain these compounds, so no worries there.) Grapefruit is simply the most widely studied of these fruits ( Bailey, 2013). Other citrus fruits such as Seville oranges (which are often used in marmalades), as well as limes, and pomelos all contain this family of compounds. But here’s the thing: grapefruit isn’t the only fruit that contains furanocoumarins. This family of chemicals impairs CYP3A4, an enzyme in our body that does a lot of the work breaking down drugs. Grapefruit gets a bad reputation when it comes to drug interactions because it contains furanocoumarins. While grapefruit has kind of become the poster child when it comes to what you’re not allowed to combine with prescription drugs such as Lipitor (generic name atorvastatin), it turns out it’s not alone in that regard.

#Statins and grapefruit professional

However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider.