The expert warned that this fruit juice can interact with a number of common medications
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
13:13, 10 Nov 2025
Taking certain drugs alongside a fruit juice could be risky, according to an expert(Image: Getty)
A pharmacist has issued a stark warning about the potential dangers of mixing certain common medications with a particular fruit juice. Ian Budd, a prescribing pharmacist at online pharmacy Chemist4U, has highlighted that statins, blood pressure tablets, and antidepressants could all be impacted by grapefruit juice.
Consuming them together could render the drugs less effective or, in some instances, heighten the risk of side effects. “Grapefruit is the biggest culprit for medication interactions,” he explained.
“Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are one of the most common causes of food and medicine interactions. They contain natural chemicals that block an enzyme in your liver, which helps break down certain medicines.
“When that happens, your body can’t process the drug as it normally would, so more of it stays in your system. That can make side effects stronger or more likely.”
Grapefruit is the “biggest culprit” for medication interactions, he said(Image: Getty)
He continued: “This is especially important if you’re taking medicines like statins, blood pressure tablets, some antidepressants, or immune-suppressing drugs. Even one glass of grapefruit juice can have an effect that lasts for up to one day, so it’s safest to avoid it completely with these medications.”
His warning is supported by advice from the NHS. The health body has cautioned on its website that those on statins should be wary of drinking grapefruit juice.
Approximately eight million people in the UK are prescribed statins. These represent a category of medications designed to reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (or “bad” cholesterol) in the bloodstream.
The NHS stated: “Grapefruit juice can affect some statins and increase your risk of side effects. A doctor may advise you to avoid it completely or only consume small quantities.”
Regarding blood pressure treatments, the health service explained that amlodipine, a particular type of blood pressure drug, can be influenced by grapefruit. It stated: “Having large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase the concentration of amlodipine in your body and make side effects worse. If you are affected, you may have to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine.
“Tell your doctor if you have any increased side effects, such as feeling dizzy, flushing or getting headaches, after eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Otherwise, you can eat and drink normally while taking amlodipine.”
Ian continued: “As pharmacists, our goal is to help people understand how to use medications safely and effectively, and food plays a bigger role than many people realise. Even choices we think are health, like fruits, vegetables, or supplements, can sometimes affect how your medication works or how well your body absorbs it.
“For example, something as simple as having grapefruit juice with breakfast can interfere with blood pressure medication, antidepressants or cholesterol medication, while foods high in vitamin K can impact how blood thinners work.
“These are small details, but they can make a real difference in how well your treatment does its job.” If you have any worries about your medication and the correct way to take it, it’s best to consult your GP.