Drug interactions
Dronedarone + Grapefruit
Severity: Major
Dronedarone and Grapefruit: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 substantially raises dronedarone exposure. This increases dose-related adverse effects, including QT prolongation and GI effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dronedarone and Grapefruit can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Inhibition of intestinal CYP3A4 reduces first-pass metabolism of dronedarone.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking dronedarone, as stated in the labeling.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Dronedarone
- Adagrasib + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Dronedarone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dronedarone with Grapefruit?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dronedarone and Grapefruit can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Grapefruit juice inhibits intestinal CYP3A4 and substantially raises dronedarone exposure. This increases dose-related adverse effects, including QT prolongation and GI effects.
How serious is the interaction between Dronedarone and Grapefruit?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking dronedarone, as stated in the labeling.
What other medicines interact with Dronedarone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dronedarone with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Dronedarone page.
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