PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsHard
A patient is prescribed 'atorvastatin 20 mg daily' for hyperlipidemia. The technician should inform the patient to avoid consuming large amounts of which of the following while taking this medication?
- ASpinach
- BGreen tea
- CDairy products
- DGrapefruit juice
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Grapefruit juice
Grapefruit juice is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, an enzyme responsible for metabolizing many medications, including atorvastatin (a statin). Consuming grapefruit juice with atorvastatin can lead to increased drug levels, raising the risk of serious side effects like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). Patients should be advised to avoid or limit grapefruit juice consumption.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Spinach (and other leafy greens) are high in Vitamin K, which interacts with warfarin, not statins.
- B. Green tea can have mild interactions with some drugs (e.g., anticoagulants due to Vitamin K), but not a significant interaction with atorvastatin.
- C. Dairy products can interact with some antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines) due to chelation, but not typically statins.
Drug-Food Interactions (CYP450)
When certain foods alter the metabolism of medications, often by inhibiting or inducing cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and intestines.
- Can lead to increased drug levels and toxicity or decreased drug efficacy.
- Grapefruit juice is a common inhibitor of CYP3A4.
- Important to counsel patients on specific food restrictions.
Memory trick: Statins and Grapefruit: A Potent Mix, Leading to Muscle Aches and Fix!