Methadone; Oxycodone/Grapefruit Juice
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug, changing your diet or commencing any course of treatment.
Medical warning:
Important. Possible changes in your diet, medicine, or dosage should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist.
How the interaction occurs:
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase the amount of methadone or oxycodone that your body absorbs.
What might happen:
The amount of methadone or oxycodone in your blood may increase. This may increase the side effects of these medicines.
What you should do about this interaction:
While you are taking this medicine, do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at any time. You may choose an alternative citrus beverage (such as orange juice). In the event that you are instructed by a healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, pharmacist, or dietitian) to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, you should immediately discuss with your doctor the effects of grapefruit on the blood levels of this medicine. If you consume grapefruit juice, talk to your doctor about alternative medications.Tell your doctor immediately if you develop increased drowsiness or loss of consciousness. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more information.Your healthcare professionals may be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change your medicine or diet before checking with them first.
References:
1.Benmebarek M, Devaud C, Gex-Fabry M, Powell Golay K, Brogli C, Baumann P, Gravier B, Eap CB. Effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of methadone. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2004 Jul;76(1):55-63.
2.Nieminen TH, Hagelberg NM, Saari TI, Neuvonen M, Neuvonen PJ, Laine K, Olkkola KT. Grapefruit juice enhances the exposure to oral oxycodone. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2010 Oct;107(4):782-8.
