Interactions between drugs and grapefruit

Interactions can occur between grapefruit and certain drugs. Nurses must ensure patients have appropriate advice and report any suspected interactions

A pharmacokinetic interaction between grapefruit and certain drugs was first identified over 20 years ago. The British National Formulary (www.bnf.org) lists the drugs that interact with grapefruit juice and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued specific warnings about the statins atorvastatin (MHRA, 2008) and simvastatin (MHRA, 2012). More specific advice is given in the summary of product characteristics for each drug (www.medicines.org.uk/emc).