Grapefruit & High Blood Pressure Medications: A Cautionary Guide

Yes, but with caution.

Grapefruit interacts with certain medications, including high blood pressure medications. This interaction can increase the levels of medication in the blood, increasing the risk of side effects.

If you are taking high blood pressure medication, talk to your doctor before eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Your doctor may advise you to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking medication, or to take a lower dose of medication.

Grapefruit and high blood pressure medications:

* Calcium channel blockers: Grapefruit can increase the blood levels of calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), and verapamil (Calan, Verelan). This can increase the risk of side effects, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and constipation.

* ACE inhibitors: Grapefruit can increase the blood levels of ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), and ramipril (Altace). This can increase the risk of side effects, such as cough, dizziness, and fainting.

* ARBs: Grapefruit can increase the blood levels of ARBs, such as irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and valsartan (Diovan). This can increase the risk of side effects, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and hypotension.

* Diuretics: Grapefruit can decrease the effectiveness of diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), furosemide (Lasix), and spironolactone (Aldactone). This can increase the risk of fluid retention and high blood pressure.

* Beta blockers: Grapefruit can increase the blood levels of beta blockers, such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), and propranolol (Inderal). This can increase the risk of side effects, such as slow heart rate, fatigue, and dizziness.

If you are taking high blood pressure medication and want to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can advise you on how to do so safely.