OT: Study finds how grapefruit juice affects drugs

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http://news./s/nm/20060509/hl_nm/grapefruit_dc

 

Study finds how grapefruit juice affects drugs

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. researchers said they have identified

the compound in grapefruit juice that affects how some drugs are

absorbed in the body and said on Tuesday it might be used to help

lower dosages for some patients.

 

Grapefruit juice is known for its effects on drug metabolism and is

avoided by some patients while other deliberately take their drugs

with the juice.

The reason is an intestinal enzyme called CYP3A, which partially

destroys drugs as they are absorbed. Grapefruit juice, like no other

fruit juice, interferes with CYP3A, so the body ends up absorbing

more of the drug.

 

Dr. Paul Watkins of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

and colleagues say they have identified the substance in grapefruit

juice that is responsible -- furanocoumarin.

 

(snip)