Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and are also low in calories and high in fibre, which makes them the perfect food to help you feel full and satisfied while also providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally.

And while we all know this to be true, we should also be aware that certain fruits can have an opposite effect on the body's absorption of certain medications.

Yes, you read that right, folks! According to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, eating grapefruit or drinking its juice can interfere with how certain medications are absorbed by the body!

In a TikTok video, the doctor shared his findings concerning the risks associated with eating grapefruit.

​

Studies have shown that consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice in combination with certain oral medications, such as antivirals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and even Viagra, can actually increase how quickly they are metabolised in the body by up to three times!

Additionally, grapefruit can reduce the concentration of medications such as cancer medications, beta blockers, and antibiotics in our bloodstream.

Other medications that our body could quickly metabolise upon consuming grapefruit include the following:

Fexofenadine (Allegra), which is used to treat allergies
Buspirone (Buspar) and sertraline (Zoloft), which are used to treat depression and anxiety
Sildenafil (Viagra), which is used to treat erectile dysfunction
Nifedipine (Procardia), nimodipine (Nimotop), and nisoldipine (Sular), which are used to treat high blood pressure
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and simvastatin (Zocor), which are used to treat high cholesterol
Saquinavir (Invirase), which is used to treat HIV
Erythromycin, primaquine, and quinine, which are used to treat infections
Amiodarone (Cordarone), which is used to treat an irregular heartbeat
Cyclosporine and tacrolimus (Prograf), which are used to prevent organ transplant rejection

You should never consume grapefruit while taking certain medications, according to researcher Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki. Credit: TikTok/@drkarl.

However, he added that this only occurs when the drug is taken orally, such as through capsules or orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs).

Discovering grapefruit has not-so-great effects on our health has actually been around since as early as 1991 when a Canadian doctor published research on the fruit’s impact on blood pressure medications.

TikTok users were appalled by the revelation, with many sharing their experiences about how their GPs warned them about consuming the fruit when being prescribed medication.

One person said: 'My OCP (oral contraceptive lozenge) has grapefruit listed on the information pamphlet as a possible conflict- no further grapefruit for breakfast I am hysterical.'

'My psychiatrist advised me about grapefruits,' another shared.

A third chimed in: 'I am not allowed to eat it- on anticoagulants for life.'

Key Takeaways

• Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has revealed that eating grapefruit (or drinking grapefruit juice) can affect how certain medications are metabolised in the body.
• Grapefruit can increase the blood levels of certain medications, including antivirals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and Viagra, whilst decreasing the blood levels of other medications, such as anti-cancer drugs, beta blockers, and antibiotics.
• It is important to consult your doctor if you are unsure about potential interactions between grapefruit and the medications you are taking.

Considering all of this new information, it’s safe to say it’s best to check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure grapefruit or any other of your regular dietary sources won’t interfere with your medications.

If your doctor hasn’t mentioned anything about eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice, it might still be beneficial to avoid it altogether - just to be on the safe side.

And please, share this article with your friends and family so that they’re aware of the potential risks of grapefruit interactions with medications. After all, knowledge is power!

Stay safe out there, folks!

 

[BJM]

Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and are also low in calories and high in fibre, which makes them the perfect food to help you feel full and satisfied while also providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally.

And while we all know this to be true, we should also be aware that certain fruits can have an opposite effect on the body's absorption of certain medications.

Yes, you read that right, folks! According to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, eating grapefruit or drinking its juice can interfere with how certain medications are absorbed by the body!

In a TikTok video, the doctor shared his findings concerning the risks associated with eating grapefruit.

​

Studies have shown that consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice in combination with certain oral medications, such as antivirals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and even Viagra, can actually increase how quickly they are metabolised in the body by up to three times!

Additionally, grapefruit can reduce the concentration of medications such as cancer medications, beta blockers, and antibiotics in our bloodstream.

Other medications that our body could quickly metabolise upon consuming grapefruit include the following:

Fexofenadine (Allegra), which is used to treat allergies
Buspirone (Buspar) and sertraline (Zoloft), which are used to treat depression and anxiety
Sildenafil (Viagra), which is used to treat erectile dysfunction
Nifedipine (Procardia), nimodipine (Nimotop), and nisoldipine (Sular), which are used to treat high blood pressure
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and simvastatin (Zocor), which are used to treat high cholesterol
Saquinavir (Invirase), which is used to treat HIV
Erythromycin, primaquine, and quinine, which are used to treat infections
Amiodarone (Cordarone), which is used to treat an irregular heartbeat
Cyclosporine and tacrolimus (Prograf), which are used to prevent organ transplant rejection

You should never consume grapefruit while taking certain medications, according to researcher Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki. Credit: TikTok/@drkarl.

However, he added that this only occurs when the drug is taken orally, such as through capsules or orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs).

Discovering grapefruit has not-so-great effects on our health has actually been around since as early as 1991 when a Canadian doctor published research on the fruit’s impact on blood pressure medications.

TikTok users were appalled by the revelation, with many sharing their experiences about how their GPs warned them about consuming the fruit when being prescribed medication.

One person said: 'My OCP (oral contraceptive lozenge) has grapefruit listed on the information pamphlet as a possible conflict- no further grapefruit for breakfast I am hysterical.'

'My psychiatrist advised me about grapefruits,' another shared.

A third chimed in: 'I am not allowed to eat it- on anticoagulants for life.'

Key Takeaways

• Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has revealed that eating grapefruit (or drinking grapefruit juice) can affect how certain medications are metabolised in the body.
• Grapefruit can increase the blood levels of certain medications, including antivirals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and Viagra, whilst decreasing the blood levels of other medications, such as anti-cancer drugs, beta blockers, and antibiotics.
• It is important to consult your doctor if you are unsure about potential interactions between grapefruit and the medications you are taking.

Considering all of this new information, it’s safe to say it’s best to check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure grapefruit or any other of your regular dietary sources won’t interfere with your medications.

If your doctor hasn’t mentioned anything about eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice, it might still be beneficial to avoid it altogether - just to be on the safe side.

And please, share this article with your friends and family so that they’re aware of the potential risks of grapefruit interactions with medications. After all, knowledge is power!

Stay safe out there, folks!

A Doctor I was once going to didn’t know grapefruit could affect me considering I was taking Sertraline and blood pressure medication. I had to tell him hence I have since changed Doctors.

 

[Dinosaur]

Bananas can also cause problems with some on blood pressure medication. Please ask your pharmacist.

 

[Penny4]

I wouldn't care if I never eat grapefruit. To me it's only nice with lots of sugar sprinkled on it.
It's always been a well known fact with cholesterol medication.

 

[Bill MacL]

Love grapes, but grapefruit doesn't taste anything like grapes. Why is it called grapefruit? Yuk.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

People need to read the instructions/fact sheets that are included with medications. They always include things you should avoid consuming.

 

[EILEEN W]

Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and are also low in calories and high in fibre, which makes them the perfect food to help you feel full and satisfied while also providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally.

And while we all know this to be true, we should also be aware that certain fruits can have an opposite effect on the body's absorption of certain medications.

Yes, you read that right, folks! According to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, eating grapefruit or drinking its juice can interfere with how certain medications are absorbed by the body!

In a TikTok video, the doctor shared his findings concerning the risks associated with eating grapefruit.

​

Studies have shown that consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice in combination with certain oral medications, such as antivirals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and even Viagra, can actually increase how quickly they are metabolised in the body by up to three times!

Additionally, grapefruit can reduce the concentration of medications such as cancer medications, beta blockers, and antibiotics in our bloodstream.

Other medications that our body could quickly metabolise upon consuming grapefruit include the following:

Fexofenadine (Allegra), which is used to treat allergies
Buspirone (Buspar) and sertraline (Zoloft), which are used to treat depression and anxiety
Sildenafil (Viagra), which is used to treat erectile dysfunction
Nifedipine (Procardia), nimodipine (Nimotop), and nisoldipine (Sular), which are used to treat high blood pressure
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and simvastatin (Zocor), which are used to treat high cholesterol
Saquinavir (Invirase), which is used to treat HIV
Erythromycin, primaquine, and quinine, which are used to treat infections
Amiodarone (Cordarone), which is used to treat an irregular heartbeat
Cyclosporine and tacrolimus (Prograf), which are used to prevent organ transplant rejection

You should never consume grapefruit while taking certain medications, according to researcher Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki. Credit: TikTok/@drkarl.

However, he added that this only occurs when the drug is taken orally, such as through capsules or orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs).

Discovering grapefruit has not-so-great effects on our health has actually been around since as early as 1991 when a Canadian doctor published research on the fruit’s impact on blood pressure medications.

TikTok users were appalled by the revelation, with many sharing their experiences about how their GPs warned them about consuming the fruit when being prescribed medication.

One person said: 'My OCP (oral contraceptive lozenge) has grapefruit listed on the information pamphlet as a possible conflict- no further grapefruit for breakfast I am hysterical.'

'My psychiatrist advised me about grapefruits,' another shared.

A third chimed in: 'I am not allowed to eat it- on anticoagulants for life.'

Key Takeaways

• Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has revealed that eating grapefruit (or drinking grapefruit juice) can affect how certain medications are metabolised in the body.
• Grapefruit can increase the blood levels of certain medications, including antivirals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and Viagra, whilst decreasing the blood levels of other medications, such as anti-cancer drugs, beta blockers, and antibiotics.
• It is important to consult your doctor if you are unsure about potential interactions between grapefruit and the medications you are taking.

Considering all of this new information, it’s safe to say it’s best to check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure grapefruit or any other of your regular dietary sources won’t interfere with your medications.

If your doctor hasn’t mentioned anything about eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice, it might still be beneficial to avoid it altogether - just to be on the safe side.

And please, share this article with your friends and family so that they’re aware of the potential risks of grapefruit interactions with medications. After all, knowledge is power!

Stay safe out there, folks!

I was warned about 40 years ago never to eat grapefruit. I am also unable to eat bananas, pineapple, any sort of melon, papaya/pawpaw and honey. I was once the functions manager at the Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast, in its heyday and even though I never ate or drank or touched anything with pineapple I used to go home with massive hives due to the atmosphere, so had to resign. I get excrutiating stomach pains if I have any of those fruits or honey and even once had to have my stomach pumped in hospital after I drank punch which the hostess swore had no pineapple in it.

 

[RobD]

Maybe it is because of my career as a professional nurse, and familiar with pharmacology, that I have been aware of this fact for decades. I also take antihypertensive, anticoagulant and antidepressant medications, just to name a few. They all come from the pharmacy with pharmacological literature and have warning labels attached.
"Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has revealed........." If to him, this is only now a revelation, then must have been living in a cave for the past 30 plus years.

 

[Maurie7]

I've been on Sertraline for years and didn't know that, but was told not to eat grapefruit when i was prescribed Atorvachol a few months ago. I loved grapefruit .

 

[JehazFNQ]

I knew about the grapefruit - it increases the length of time the stain stays in the blood, therefore increasing the therapeutic level which can lead to rhabdomyolysis (muscle being destroyed by the body), but was never told about the other possible side effects. However, good as my doctor is, I don’t expect him to know everything so I do my own due diligence when it comes to new medications and possible interactions between them and foods or my existing treatment regime. Between us we keep things safe. And as mentioned, grapefruit aren’t the only ones to watch out for, so it’s something we all need to do. I’ve changed my statin and have checked again. Now I’m told that I can’t take my antidepressant with my glaucoma drops. Go mad or go blind - what a choice!

 

[freedy50]

Bananas can also cause problems with some on blood pressure medication. Please ask your pharmacist.

It's the potassium in them that causes it.

 

[RobD]

It's the potassium in them that causes it.

That is incorrect!
There is more potassium in many other foods other than the humble banana!
Avoid POTASSIUM SUPLEMENTS! Not food! Your body needs potassium to thrive! Ask any dietitian!
or look at www.healthdirect.gov.au/foods-high-in-potassium

 

[Ricci]

Because of my medication I haven't been able to eat Grapefruit for at least 25 years. Must admit it's no great loss!!

 

[Gaena]

Bananas can also cause problems with some on blood pressure medication. Please ask your pharmacist.

Not heard that fact about Bananas before, my favorite food / fruit, damn will have to go back to chocolate as my favorite food source.

 

[RobD]

Not heard that fact about Bananas before, my favorite food / fruit, damn will have to go back to chocolate as my favorite food source.

It may be a fact that bananas contain potassium, but so do many other fruits and vegetables! The general advice is to not take potassium, as in POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTS! Bananas contain between 380 and 420 mg potassium, about 12% of a recommended daily value. You'd have to have to binge on bananas before you had any adverse effect!

 

[Gaena]

It may be a fact that bananas contain potassium, but so do many other fruits and vegetables! The general advice is to not take potassium, as in POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTS! Bananas contain between 380 and 420 mg potassium, about 12% of a recommended daily value. You'd have to have to binge on bananas before you had any adverse effect!

Well buggar, was advised by my GP to take Potassium suplements as Blood tests showed a worrying lack and she was concerned about the effects on my heart, I have a heart condition and high blood pressure so would that be a double no no for any extra potassium. Am now very confused.

 

[RobD]

Well buggar, was advised by my GP to take Potassium suplements as Blood tests showed a worrying lack and she was concerned about the effects on my heart, I have a heart condition and high blood pressure so would that be a double no no for any extra potassium. Am now very confused.

Understandable. Potassium interacts with certain medications but not all! You'll have to trust the advice given by your GP, not common myths and incorrect "facts". There are certain antihypertensive (high blood pressure) medications effected by potassium. Ask a pharmacist! Our bodies need potassium to keep us healthy! Ask a dietitian or nutritionist!
I am not a doctor, pharmacist or dietitian, so I will not give medical advice.
I'm a retired nurse, so I will try to correct misconceptions, to the best of my knowledge.
I see too many folk believing the myths and spreading untruths!

 

[RobD]

Not heard that fact about Bananas before, my favorite food / fruit, damn will have to go back to chocolate as my favorite food source.

PS Chocolate may have, usually, more potassium than bananas!

 

[RhodaStarr]

Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and are also low in calories and high in fibre, which makes them the perfect food to help you feel full and satisfied while also providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally.

And while we all know this to be true, we should also be aware that certain fruits can have an opposite effect on the body's absorption of certain medications.

Yes, you read that right, folks! According to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, eating grapefruit or drinking its juice can interfere with how certain medications are absorbed by the body!

In a TikTok video, the doctor shared his findings concerning the risks associated with eating grapefruit.

​

Studies have shown that consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice in combination with certain oral medications, such as antivirals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and even Viagra, can actually increase how quickly they are metabolised in the body by up to three times!

Additionally, grapefruit can reduce the concentration of medications such as cancer medications, beta blockers, and antibiotics in our bloodstream.

Other medications that our body could quickly metabolise upon consuming grapefruit include the following:

Fexofenadine (Allegra), which is used to treat allergies
Buspirone (Buspar) and sertraline (Zoloft), which are used to treat depression and anxiety
Sildenafil (Viagra), which is used to treat erectile dysfunction
Nifedipine (Procardia), nimodipine (Nimotop), and nisoldipine (Sular), which are used to treat high blood pressure
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and simvastatin (Zocor), which are used to treat high cholesterol
Saquinavir (Invirase), which is used to treat HIV
Erythromycin, primaquine, and quinine, which are used to treat infections
Amiodarone (Cordarone), which is used to treat an irregular heartbeat
Cyclosporine and tacrolimus (Prograf), which are used to prevent organ transplant rejection

You should never consume grapefruit while taking certain medications, according to researcher Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki. Credit: TikTok/@drkarl.

However, he added that this only occurs when the drug is taken orally, such as through capsules or orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs).

Discovering grapefruit has not-so-great effects on our health has actually been around since as early as 1991 when a Canadian doctor published research on the fruit’s impact on blood pressure medications.

TikTok users were appalled by the revelation, with many sharing their experiences about how their GPs warned them about consuming the fruit when being prescribed medication.

One person said: 'My OCP (oral contraceptive lozenge) has grapefruit listed on the information pamphlet as a possible conflict- no further grapefruit for breakfast I am hysterical.'

'My psychiatrist advised me about grapefruits,' another shared.

A third chimed in: 'I am not allowed to eat it- on anticoagulants for life.'

Key Takeaways

• Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has revealed that eating grapefruit (or drinking grapefruit juice) can affect how certain medications are metabolised in the body.
• Grapefruit can increase the blood levels of certain medications, including antivirals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and Viagra, whilst decreasing the blood levels of other medications, such as anti-cancer drugs, beta blockers, and antibiotics.
• It is important to consult your doctor if you are unsure about potential interactions between grapefruit and the medications you are taking.

Considering all of this new information, it’s safe to say it’s best to check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure grapefruit or any other of your regular dietary sources won’t interfere with your medications.

If your doctor hasn’t mentioned anything about eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice, it might still be beneficial to avoid it altogether - just to be on the safe side.

And please, share this article with your friends and family so that they’re aware of the potential risks of grapefruit interactions with medications. After all, knowledge is power!

Stay safe out there, folks!

 

[RhodaStarr]

Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and are also low in calories and high in fibre, which makes them the perfect food to help you feel full and satisfied while also providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally.

And while we all know this to be true, we should also be aware that certain fruits can have an opposite effect on the body's absorption of certain medications.

Yes, you read that right, folks! According to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, eating grapefruit or drinking its juice can interfere with how certain medications are absorbed by the body!

In a TikTok video, the doctor shared his findings concerning the risks associated with eating grapefruit.

​

Studies have shown that consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice in combination with certain oral medications, such as antivirals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and even Viagra, can actually increase how quickly they are metabolised in the body by up to three times!

Additionally, grapefruit can reduce the concentration of medications such as cancer medications, beta blockers, and antibiotics in our bloodstream.

Other medications that our body could quickly metabolise upon consuming grapefruit include the following:

Fexofenadine (Allegra), which is used to treat allergies
Buspirone (Buspar) and sertraline (Zoloft), which are used to treat depression and anxiety
Sildenafil (Viagra), which is used to treat erectile dysfunction
Nifedipine (Procardia), nimodipine (Nimotop), and nisoldipine (Sular), which are used to treat high blood pressure
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and simvastatin (Zocor), which are used to treat high cholesterol
Saquinavir (Invirase), which is used to treat HIV
Erythromycin, primaquine, and quinine, which are used to treat infections
Amiodarone (Cordarone), which is used to treat an irregular heartbeat
Cyclosporine and tacrolimus (Prograf), which are used to prevent organ transplant rejection

You should never consume grapefruit while taking certain medications, according to researcher Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki. Credit: TikTok/@drkarl.

However, he added that this only occurs when the drug is taken orally, such as through capsules or orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs).

Discovering grapefruit has not-so-great effects on our health has actually been around since as early as 1991 when a Canadian doctor published research on the fruit’s impact on blood pressure medications.

TikTok users were appalled by the revelation, with many sharing their experiences about how their GPs warned them about consuming the fruit when being prescribed medication.

One person said: 'My OCP (oral contraceptive lozenge) has grapefruit listed on the information pamphlet as a possible conflict- no further grapefruit for breakfast I am hysterical.'

'My psychiatrist advised me about grapefruits,' another shared.

A third chimed in: 'I am not allowed to eat it- on anticoagulants for life.'

Key Takeaways

• Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has revealed that eating grapefruit (or drinking grapefruit juice) can affect how certain medications are metabolised in the body.
• Grapefruit can increase the blood levels of certain medications, including antivirals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and Viagra, whilst decreasing the blood levels of other medications, such as anti-cancer drugs, beta blockers, and antibiotics.
• It is important to consult your doctor if you are unsure about potential interactions between grapefruit and the medications you are taking.

Considering all of this new information, it’s safe to say it’s best to check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure grapefruit or any other of your regular dietary sources won’t interfere with your medications.

If your doctor hasn’t mentioned anything about eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice, it might still be beneficial to avoid it altogether - just to be on the safe side.

And please, share this article with your friends and family so that they’re aware of the potential risks of grapefruit interactions with medications. After all, knowledge is power!

Stay safe out there, folks!