--- In benzo@y..., "rmb" <rmb@i...> wrote:

Grapefruit and many medications don't mix - Health Canada warns.

If you are taking medication, did you know that you could be risking

your life when eating a grapefruit or having grapefruit juice? Find out

more.

The Canadian Press, Toronto

Like Grapefruit juice? Taking Viagra? Bad idea, Health Canada says.

In fact, a variety of medications for a variety of conditions can

interact negatively with grapefruit juice - fresh or frozen - and the

fruit itself, the department warned in an advisory issued Friday.

There are several substances in grapefruit that can interfere with

the way the body metabolizes some drugs, amplifying the effect of

many and minimizing the effect of a few.

In some cases, consuming grapefruit while on certain medications can

produce a life-threatening adverse reaction, health Canada said.

"As little as one glass of grapefruit juice (8 ounces/250ml) can

cause this effect" the release warned.

It may not just be grapefruit. While sweet oranges and their juice do

not appear to cause the same reaction, sour ones such as Seville

oranges may have a similar effect, the department warned.

"Tangelos are a hybrid of grapefruit and may also interfere with

drugs. Most other citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, citrons,

naturally sweet oranges and tangerines, are considered safe", it said.

Drugs known to be affected by grapefruit include those taken for

anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, cancer, irregular

heart rhythms, infections, psychotic problems, erectile dysfunction,

angina, convulsions, gastrointestinal reflux, high cholesterol and

immuno-suppressants taken to stop rejection after organ transplants.

People should not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit in any

form if they are taking medication for any of the listed conditions,

Health Canada warned, until they have spoken to their doctors or

pharmacists about the potential for an adverse reaction.

And, as a precaution, don't take any drug with grapefruit juice

without checking with a doctor or pharmacist about safety concerns,

the department said.