Can I eat grapefruit with the blood pressure medicine captopril?
- Q: Can I eat grapefruit with the blood pressure medicine captopril?
- A: The fruit and juice from certain citrus fruits, including grapefruit, tangelos, and Seville oranges, can cause problematic drug interactions. They interfere with enzymes in the body that breakdown or metabolize certain drugs. This can lead to higher than normal levels of these drugs and increased side effects which can be dangerous. Separating these drugs from the grapefruit will not prevent the interaction. Drugs most likely to interact with grapefruit include anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering medications, calcium channel blockers, and anti-anxiety medications. This is not a complete list of medications that may interact with grapefruit. Captopril belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack. Some medications for hypertension can interact with grapefruit. However, ACE inhibitors, including captopril, are not expected to interact with grapefruit. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or local pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications. Sarah Lewis, RPh, PharmD
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