Felodipine and Grapefruit Warning: What You Need to Know

Felodipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. Also known as a calcium channel blocker, it works by relaxing blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to pump as hard. But here’s the catch: if you eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking felodipine, your body can’t break it down properly—leading to dangerously high drug levels in your bloodstream.

This isn’t just a minor warning. Grapefruit contains compounds that block an enzyme in your liver called CYP3A4, which normally helps clear felodipine from your system. When that enzyme is shut down, felodipine builds up. That can cause your blood pressure to drop too low, your heart to race, or even lead to dizziness, fainting, or worse. It’s not just grapefruit juice—it’s whole grapefruit, grapefruit segments, and even some grapefruit-flavored products. And the effect lasts longer than you think—up to 72 hours after eating it.

Other calcium channel blockers like amlodipine and nifedipine also have this issue, but felodipine is one of the most sensitive. If you’ve been told to avoid grapefruit with your blood pressure meds, you’re not being overly cautious—you’re being smart. Many people don’t realize how powerful food can be in changing how drugs work. It’s not just about allergies or digestive upset. This is a direct, measurable, and sometimes life-threatening interaction. You don’t need to give up fruit entirely—just steer clear of grapefruit and its close relatives like pomelos and Seville oranges. Stick to oranges, apples, or berries instead. If you’re unsure whether your medication has this warning, check the label or ask your pharmacist. They’ve seen this happen too many times.

Below, you’ll find real-world examples of how drug-food interactions affect people, from statins to antidepressants. The pattern is the same: what you eat can change how your medicine works. With felodipine, the stakes are high. Don’t gamble with it. Know what to avoid, and keep yourself safe.