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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Change Diltiazem As I Drink Grapefruit Juice?

I have been taking diltiazem for several years now but the last refill was the first it has been labeled do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at anytime while taking this medication . We eat a lot of grapefruit in the winter for the vitamin C. Do I need to switch my medication ?
Sat, 28 Dec 2013
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Diltiazem (dz) is known to interact with grape juice and can lead to elevated levels in blood which may induce toxicity like slowing of pulse etc. But this effect is observed only in limited population based studies. Not all individuals have this interaction; especially because you are fine for years and hence you need not worry. The best option you have is to get your blood levels of diltiazem estimated. Then, it can be decided whether to discontinue dz or not. The safest alternative is partial switchover to orange juice (instead of changing dz as other similar drugs may also interact with grape juice). All the best.
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Should I Change Diltiazem As I Drink Grapefruit Juice?

Diltiazem (dz) is known to interact with grape juice and can lead to elevated levels in blood which may induce toxicity like slowing of pulse etc. But this effect is observed only in limited population based studies. Not all individuals have this interaction; especially because you are fine for years and hence you need not worry. The best option you have is to get your blood levels of diltiazem estimated. Then, it can be decided whether to discontinue dz or not. The safest alternative is partial switchover to orange juice (instead of changing dz as other similar drugs may also interact with grape juice). All the best.