When you take felodipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. Also known as Plendil, it works by relaxing your blood vessels so your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. But if you eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while on this medication, your body can’t break it down properly. That means too much of the drug stays in your system — and that’s not just inconvenient, it’s dangerous.
This isn’t a minor warning. The grapefruit drug interaction, a well-documented reaction where compounds in grapefruit block enzymes that normally clear medications from your body affects more than 85 drugs, and calcium channel blockers, a class of blood pressure meds that includes felodipine, amlodipine, and nifedipine are among the most vulnerable. One small glass of grapefruit juice can boost felodipine levels by up to 300%. That spike can drop your blood pressure too low, cause dizziness, fainting, or even a heart rhythm problem. You don’t need to eat a whole grapefruit — even a single glass can trigger this reaction, and the effect lasts for days.
Many people don’t realize this risk because they think grapefruit is just a healthy breakfast choice. But if you’re on felodipine, it’s not worth the gamble. Your doctor won’t always mention it unless you ask. The same goes for other citrus fruits like Seville oranges and pomelos — they carry the same risk. Switching to orange juice or apple juice is safe. If you’re unsure, check your pill bottle or ask your pharmacist. This isn’t about avoiding fruit forever — it’s about knowing which ones can turn your medicine into a hazard.
What you’ll find below are real, practical posts that dig into how medications like felodipine interact with food, how to track side effects, and how to avoid dangerous combinations. From lab monitoring to deprescribing risks, these guides help you take control — not guesswork. You don’t need to be a medical expert to stay safe. Just know what to watch for, and you’re already ahead.
Grapefruit can dangerously increase levels of certain blood pressure medications like felodipine and amlodipine, leading to low blood pressure and dizziness. Learn which citrus fruits to avoid and safer alternatives.
