Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Amlodipine. Amlodipine is broken down by enzymes (CYP3A4) in the lower intestine. People have different levels of these enzymes in their body, so eating grapefruit can affect people differently. Eating grapefruit can block the action of these important enzymes. This causes the drug to stay around for longer, which may allow too much Amlodipine to enter your bloodstream. Higher levels of Amlodipine mean stronger effects and a higher likelihood of side effects.
Eating grapefruit while taking Amlodipine can cause the same side effects as if you were taking a much higher dose of the drug. Higher concentrations of the drug can then lead to dizziness, headaches, vomiting, joint pain, fatigue and, in the worst case, liver, muscle and kidney damage.
Avoid all varieties of grapefruit when taking Amlodipine. Seville oranges (used in orange marmalade), pomelos and tangelos (a cross between tangerines and grapefruits) may have a similar effect, so it is best to avoid these fruits as well, when taking amlodipine.
Reviewed by Dr Roy Kedem, MD
Information last reviewed 12/06/21