Drug interactions
Docetaxel + Grapefruit
Severity: Minor
Docetaxel and Grapefruit: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Grapefruit juice inhibits intestinal CYP3A4 and may increase docetaxel exposure, but docetaxel is given intravenously so the effect is likely small. Variable effects on hepatic metabolism are possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Docetaxel and Grapefruit have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Furanocoumarins in grapefruit inhibit CYP3A4, mainly in the intestine.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid large amounts of grapefruit products during docetaxel treatment. Monitor for toxicity.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Docetaxel and Grapefruit, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Docetaxel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Docetaxel with Grapefruit?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Docetaxel and Grapefruit have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Grapefruit juice inhibits intestinal CYP3A4 and may increase docetaxel exposure, but docetaxel is given intravenously so the effect is likely small. Variable effects on hepatic metabolism are possible.
How serious is the interaction between Docetaxel and Grapefruit?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid large amounts of grapefruit products during docetaxel treatment. Monitor for toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Docetaxel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Docetaxel with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Atazanavir, Belatacept. The full list is on the Docetaxel page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
