Overview

• NHS advice says to avoid grapefruit or large amounts of its juice while taking amlodipine because exposure to the drug can rise.
• Grapefruit compounds inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme in the gut and liver, slowing amlodipine metabolism and elevating blood levels.
• Related fruits flagged by the NHS include Seville oranges, pomelos and tangelos, which may cause similar interactions.
• Amlodipine is among the most prescribed UK medicines, with more than 30 million prescriptions a year; the British Heart Foundation estimates millions of people take blood‑pressure drugs.
• Patients are urged to speak to a GP or pharmacist if symptoms such as headaches, flushing, dizziness, fainting, swollen ankles or palpitations worsen after consuming grapefruit.