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>From : The Medical Letter, Vol. 37 (Issue 955) August 15, 1995
"CONCLUSION - Grapefruit juice inhibits presystemic metabolism of some drugs
metabolized by the cytochrome P450 isozyme CYP3A4, including several calcium-
channel blockers, cyclosporine and terfenadine.  With drugs like these,which
are largely
metabolized presystemically, grapefruit juice may increase serum
concentrations
by allowing more unmetabolized drug to enter the systemic circulation.  The
clinical
significance of these effects has not been established.  Grapefruit juice
also inhibits
CYP1A2, an isozyme involved in the metabolism of drugs such as caffeine,
theophylline
and  tacrine (Cognex);  only the the metabolism of caffeine has been shown to
be
significantly affected. The effect of grapefruit juice on other drugs
metabolized by these
and other P450 isozymes remains to be determined."

Mechanism of action described. Drugs listed include: calcium channel
blockers,
cyclosporine, terfenadine, midazolam, estrogens,  and caffeine.

Report also states: "Orange juice apparently does not affect drug
metabolism."

[log in to unmask] (Mary Manfredi)