Drugs that interact with juices includes medications for life-threatening conditions such as cancer and heart ailments. For instance, antihistamine, when taken with grapefruit juice, will only be 50 percent absorbed by the body.
David Bailey, professor of clinical pharmacology at the university and the principal researcher, explained that an active ingredient in grapefruit blocks a transporter protein, which allows absorption of some medication from the small intestine into the bloodstream. The same effect will be felt if orange or apple juices are used to take some medicines.
In 1990, a study by Baily said grapefruit juice's potency is strengthened by felodipine, a high blood pressure medication. Since then 50 other drugs have been discovered to have similar effects when taken with certain fruits. But Baily's newest finding indicate grapefruit juice's effect could also swing to the extreme end by limiting absorption.
Other medicines which fruit juices drastically affect are: anti-cancer agent etoposide; beta blockers atenolo, celiprolol and talinol; anti-rejection drug cyclosporine; and antibiotics ciprofloxacin, levovloxacin and itraconazole.
Aside from not taking medication with fruit juices, Bailey recommends patients first discuss with their doctors other drinks to avoid mixing with their medicine. Generally, he added, it is best to take medicine four hours before and after a meal, on an empty stomach.
Bailey presented his findings Tuesday to the American Chemical Society at its national gathering.
