Grapefruit and drugs C016 / 8811
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Grapefruit and drugs C016 / 8811
Many of the drugs that are usually prescribed and essential for the treatment of common medical conditions interact adversely with grapefruit, grapefruit juice and some other citrus fruits, causing unpleasant side effects. Over 80 drugs are known to interact with grapefruit of which 43 types of prescription medication could cause serious side effects. Grapefruits contain furanocoumarins, a group of chemicals that can affect drug metabolism by inhibiting an enzyme in the intestine which breaks down drugs, thus increasing the time it takes for a drug to be broken down by the body. This has the effect of increasing the effective amount of the drug in the body several times above the level of the intended dose. The affected drugs include those for treating cancers, high cholesterol, heart and blood vessel conditions etc
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9245543
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Blood Cancer Chemicals Cholesterol Citrus Cytochrome P450 Dose Drugs Enzyme Hypertension Inhibition Interact Intestine Metabolism Prescription Pressure
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "Grapefruit and drugs C016 / 8811" by Sheila Terry from Science Photo Library sheds light on a lesser-known interaction between grapefruit and prescription medication. The image captures the essence of this intriguing phenomenon, highlighting the potential risks associated with consuming grapefruit or its juice while taking certain medications. In our daily lives, we often overlook the fact that over 80 drugs can interact adversely with grapefruit and other citrus fruits. Astonishingly, among these interactions, 43 types of prescription medication have been found to cause serious side effects when combined with grapefruit. This is due to furanocoumarins present in grapefruits, which inhibit an enzyme in the intestine responsible for breaking down drugs. The consequences of this inhibition are significant - it increases the time required for drug breakdown within the body, resulting in higher effective amounts than intended. Consequently, patients may experience unpleasant side effects as their bodies receive several times more medication than prescribed. From cancer treatments to medications for high cholesterol and heart conditions, a wide range of essential drugs can be affected by this interaction. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless fruits like grapefruits can have profound implications on our health when combined with specific medications. Sheila Terry's thought-provoking photograph urges us to consider these intricate connections between food and medicine while emphasizing the importance of understanding potential drug interactions before indulging in citrus delights such as grapefruits.
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