DRINKING DRUGS CAN BE DEADLY BY ORANGE JUICE

Eating grapefruit and some other citrus fruits are known to cause adverse reactions when combined with certain medications. The most recent research indicates, this risk is far greater than previously thought.

Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal stated, grapefruit and some other citrus fruits can cause death, acute renal failure, failed lungs, intestinal bleeding, and other serious health problems due to interactions with certain drugs.

A total of 85 drugs reported to interact with grapefruit, and 43 of which can cause serious side effects.
This reaction is due to the active ingredients in fruit that is a compound called furanocoumarin inhibit the action of enzymes in the body. In addition, these compounds can also increase the dose of the drug to be several times as much, which can cause overdose. In addition to grapefruit, other citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges also contain a compound furanocoumarin byword.

Drugs that can interact with other compounds in grapefruit include anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-cancer drugs and anti-cholesterol drugs.

Dr.. David Bailey, a Canadian scientist says, "although side effects are harmless enough, but grapefruit can also help to a certain type of treatment. But recently claimed discovery of the negative effects of grapefruit on drugs increased from 17 to 43 drugs during 2008 to 2012. This makes the increase is more than 6 drugs per year. "
Bailey added, "current knowledge about drug and food interactions are still lacking, both healthcare practitioners and patients."

For drugs with a low effect, furanocoumarin can increase the effect. But for drugs with effects already high, furanocoumarin instead will lead to over dosage up to 330%.

Dikarena the high risk in using grapefruit or other citrus in raising the dose of medication, then its use can not be done in general practice. "Understanding is very important, so that both doctors and patients should be cautious in utilizing grapefruit effect," said Bailey.

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