Drug interactions
Grapefruit + Zaleplon
Severity: Minor
Grapefruit and Zaleplon: 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 could slightly raise zaleplon levels. Because most zaleplon is cleared through aldehyde oxidase, a clinically meaningful change is unlikely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Grapefruit and Zaleplon 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 intestinal CYP3A4, a minor elimination route for zaleplon.
What to do
No restriction is generally required; patients who notice increased drowsiness can avoid taking zaleplon with large amounts of grapefruit juice.
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 Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Grapefruit with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Grapefruit and Zaleplon 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 could slightly raise zaleplon levels. Because most zaleplon is cleared through aldehyde oxidase, a clinically meaningful change is unlikely.
How serious is the interaction between Grapefruit and Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No restriction is generally required; patients who notice increased drowsiness can avoid taking zaleplon with large amounts of grapefruit juice.
What other medicines interact with Zaleplon?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zaleplon with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Zaleplon page.
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