We have all heard how grapefruit can interact with medications. However, some are saying that PINK grapefruit is OK to take with meds. The rumor is that pink grapefruit does not have in it the same enzymes that interact with medications. So is this fact or fiction? Can we eat pink grapefruit without worry of drug interactions?

Unfortunately, the idea that pink grapefruit cannot cause drug interactions is fiction. All grapefruit have the potential to interact with  medications. Grapefruit contain certain enzymes that affect the liver’s ability to process certain drugs.  It can also have effects on absorption. These interactions cause a variety of problems including increasing drug concentrations and prolonging drug effects.

The levels of enzymes in a grapefruit will vary depending on when and where the fruit was harvested. It can also vary depending on whether the fruit is eaten whole or as juice. Different levels of enzymes mean differing levels of interactions. Unfortunately, you can’t tell by looking at a grapefruit what level of enzymes it contains. For this reason, it is best to avoid grapefruit when taking certain medications.

Tangelos, a hybrid of grapefruit, also have the potential to interact with medication. Most other citrus such as tangerines, lemons and oranges are considered safe. There is no evidence so far that grapefruit flavored sodas interact.

Below is a list of medications that interact with grapefruit. It is best to avoid grapefruit while taking these medications. It should be noted that the following table lists drugs that have been studied with grapefruit.  Other, undocumented interactions may exist:

Table 1: Medications That Interact with Grapefruit

Remember, it is best to avoid grapefruit, of any kind, while you are taking these medications. This does not mean spacing them apart during the day. It means avoiding grapefruit for the full course of therapy with these medications. As mentioned above, there is no way to know how much enzyme a particular grapefruit contains. If you are ever unclear about a potential drug interaction, ask your doctor or pharmacist.