Can I take Felodipine and Grapefruit together?

You must completely avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking felodipine. Grapefruit significantly increases the amount of felodipine in your blood, which can cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously low and increase the risk of side effects.

Even a single glass of juice or half a grapefruit can significantly increase the amount of the medicine in your bloodstream, and the impact can last for several days.

If you have already consumed grapefruit, monitor your blood pressure and watch for dizziness or a racing heart.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about safe fruit alternatives, such as oranges or lemons.

Varför detta händer

Your body uses a specific enzyme (called CYP3A4) in the gut and liver to break down felodipine. Grapefruit contains natural compounds that block this enzyme. When the enzyme is blocked, your body cannot clear the medicine properly, leading to much higher levels of the drug than intended.

You may be experiencing an interaction between felodipine and grapefruit (including grapefruit juice) if:

• You feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when standing up.

• You experience headaches or flushing.

• You notice swelling in your ankles or feet.

• You feel your heart beating faster than usual (palpitations).

• You develop low blood pressure symptoms, such as faintness or weakness.

• Symptoms start after eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking felodipine.

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should:

• Speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice as soon as possible.

• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking felodipine.

• Do not stop taking felodipine suddenly unless advised by a healthcare professional.

• Seek urgent medical help if you faint or have severe dizziness.

• Attend any blood pressure checks arranged to monitor your treatment.
  

Alkohol

Drinking alcohol while taking felodipine can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect of the medicine. This may make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially when standing up. It is best to keep your alcohol intake to a minimum.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Interaktionskontroll för läkemedel helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Ansvarsfriskrivning

Denna information är endast avsedd för allmän utbildning och bör inte användas som en ersättning för professionell medicinsk rådgivning. Rådfråga alltid din läkare, apotekare eller annan kvalificerad vårdpersonal innan du fattar beslut om dina mediciner. Individuella omständigheter kan variera, och endast en vårdpersonal som känner till din medicinska historia kan ge personlig vägledning.