Why We Should Not Mix Citrus With Drugs

Video: Why We Should Not Mix Citrus With Drugs

Video: Why We Should Not Mix Citrus With Drugs
Video: The dangers of mixing drugs - Céline Valéry 2024, November
Why We Should Not Mix Citrus With Drugs
Why We Should Not Mix Citrus With Drugs
Anonim

Undoubtedly - citrus fruits are one of the most useful fruits. Extremely rich in vitamins, they support our immune system during the cold months, and during the warm months they are really refreshing and energizing. However, despite all these benefits, we must be careful with them when taking medication.

Grapefruit and some others citrus fruits should be avoided with certain groups of drugs, and this warning should not be underestimated. Why such problems occur - certain enzymes help break down drugs in our body, and citrus block it. As a result, the drug stays in our body for too long, and the next dose can even lead to an overdose.

Which drugs should not be taken with citrus - antivirals, statins - medicines that lower blood cholesterol, medicines for high blood pressure and those against heart arrhythmias - overdoses can be particularly dangerous because their accumulation in the blood can cause life-threatening conditions such as too low blood pressure. pressure or severe arrhythmias.

Some medications that treat depression and anxiety - sedatives or antidepressants - should also not be taken with citrus. This is especially true for the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Citrus fruits should be avoided and when taking immunosuppressants, hormone replacement therapy, painkillers.

citrus fruits should not be mixed with drugs
citrus fruits should not be mixed with drugs

And while certain drugs can lead to toxicity and poisoning, some drugs, such as anti-allergy drugs, can have the opposite effect. Instead of intensifying the action or accumulation of the active substance in the blood, citrus may completely block the therapeutic effect. Which can also lead to life-threatening situations.

The good news is that not all citrus fruits have a negative effect on medications. Oranges and tangerines do not cause such problems, but citrus fruits from the grapefruit family contain this enzyme, which can be dangerous when combined with the above drugs. This group also includes pomelo.

And if you think you can ignore this warning - just one grapefruit can cause dangerous interactions and the accumulation of particularly high doses of the drug in our body. Therefore, avoid fruit juices at all costs, even orange, because only one glass contains at least 4 fruits.

Recommended: