Which statement accurately reflects grapefruit interactions with medications?

Which statement accurately reflects grapefruit interactions with medications?

• A. Grapefruit does not affect drug metabolism
• B. Grapefruit affects all medications equally
• C. Grapefruit can affect metabolism of certain heart medications
• D. Grapefruit always increases absorption of all drugs

Answer: (C)

Grapefruit interactions happen because grapefruit contains compounds that inhibit an intestinal enzyme, CYP3A4, which many drugs rely on to be broken down. When this enzyme is blocked in the gut, the drug isn’t metabolized as quickly, so more of it stays in the bloodstream. This can increase the drug’s effects and raise the risk of side effects. The effect isn’t universal—only certain medications that depend on this intestinal metabolism are affected. For heart medications, some calcium channel blockers, like felodipine, can have higher blood levels after grapefruit consumption, potentially leading to stronger or unwanted effects. It doesn’t mean grapefruit changes absorption for all drugs, and not every medication is affected to the same extent.

Grapefruit interactions happen because grapefruit contains compounds that inhibit an intestinal enzyme, CYP3A4, which many drugs rely on to be broken down. When this enzyme is blocked in the gut, the drug isn’t metabolized as quickly, so more of it stays in the bloodstream. This can increase the drug’s effects and raise the risk of side effects. The effect isn’t universal—only certain medications that depend on this intestinal metabolism are affected. For heart medications, some calcium channel blockers, like felodipine, can have higher blood levels after grapefruit consumption, potentially leading to stronger or unwanted effects. It doesn’t mean grapefruit changes absorption for all drugs, and not every medication is affected to the same extent.