Which substance can interact with amlodipine?

Grapefruit juice is known to interact with amlodipine due to its effect on the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, particularly CYP3A4. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina, is metabolized primarily by this enzyme. Grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP3A4, leading to increased concentrations of amlodipine in the bloodstream. This inhibition can enhance the drug's effects and side effects, potentially causing hypotension or other adverse reactions.

Understanding this mechanism of interaction is vital for patient safety and medication management. Grapefruit juice's unique properties concerning drug metabolism make it important for healthcare professionals to consider dietary habits when prescribing medications metabolized through these pathways. Other substances like orange juice, alcohol, and caffeine do not have the same significant effect on the metabolism of amlodipine as grapefruit juice does, making them less likely to result in clinically relevant interactions.