Canadian scientists have recently reported that drinking certain fruit juices can interfere with the absorption of some medications.

Previous studies had found grapefruit-induced drug-overdose interactions, indicating that grapefruit juice increases the absorption of certain drugs and turns normal doses into toxic overdoses.

According to a study presented at the 236th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, fruit drinks such as grapefruit, orange and apple juices can decrease the absorption of drugs, wiping out their beneficial effects.

The study revealed such fruit drinks lower the absorption of certain medications including etoposide (an anticancer agent), certain beta-blockers (atenolol, celiprolol and talinolol used to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart attacks), cyclosporine (an anti-rejection drug) along with certain antibiotics (including ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, itraconazole).

University of Western Ontario scientists concluded that patients should ask physicians about the possible interaction between the medication and fruit juices before taking a drug.

PKH/HGH