Drug interactions
Grapefruit + Sildenafil
Severity: Minor
Grapefruit and Sildenafil: 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 modestly increase sildenafil exposure. The clinical effect is generally small but could add to adverse effects such as headache or flushing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Grapefruit and Sildenafil 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
Inhibition of intestinal CYP3A4 by grapefruit constituents reduces first-pass metabolism of sildenafil.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid large quantities of grapefruit juice around sildenafil dosing, particularly if adverse effects occur.
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?
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Other interactions of Sildenafil
- Amyl nitrite + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Glyceryl trinitrate pr + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Isosorbide dinitrate + Sildenafil Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Grapefruit with Sildenafil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Grapefruit and Sildenafil 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 modestly increase sildenafil exposure. The clinical effect is generally small but could add to adverse effects such as headache or flushing.
How serious is the interaction between Grapefruit and Sildenafil?
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 quantities of grapefruit juice around sildenafil dosing, particularly if adverse effects occur.
What other medicines interact with Sildenafil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sildenafil with, for example, Amyl nitrite, Atazanavir, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Sildenafil page.
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