Are you taking Tacrolimus? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Tacrolimus with certain foods and herbs? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.
Fukatsu S, Fukudo M, Masuda S, Yano I, Katsura T, Ogura Y, Oike F, Takada Y, Inui K. Delayed effect of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tacrolimus in a living-donor liver transplant recipient. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2006 Apr;21(2):122-5. doi: 10.2133/dmpk.21.122. PMID: 16702731.
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References
1. Fukatsu S, Fukudo M, Masuda S, Yano I, Katsura T, Ogura Y, Oike F, Takada Y, Inui K. Delayed effect of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tacrolimus in a living-donor liver transplant recipient. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2006 Apr;21(2):122-5. doi: 10.2133/dmpk.21.122. PMID: 16702731.
2. National Library of Medicine: Tacrolimus MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601117.html
Tacrolimus Interactions with Food and Herbs
Grapefruit: Tacrolimus combined with grapefruit juice may increase the amount of Tacrolimus in the body, potentially leading to dangerous side effects (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceFukatsu S, Fukudo M, Masuda S, Yano I, Katsura T, Ogura Y, Oike F, Takada Y, Inui K. Delayed effect of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tacrolimus in a living-donor liver transplant recipient. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2006 Apr;21(2):122-5. doi: 10.2133/dmpk.21.122. PMID: 16702731.
Go to source).
When and How to Take Tacrolimus
- Tacrolimus is available in the form of a capsule, granules for oral suspension (to be mixed with liquid), an extended-release capsule and a tablet to be taken orally.
- The capsules and oral suspension are usually taken twice a day with or without food.
- The extended-release capsules and tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach every morning, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after breakfast.
- Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label.
- Take the medication at the same time every day for better results.
- Do not exceed or skip a dose. If you miss it, take the medication as soon as you remember.
- Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
National Library of Medicine: Tacrolimus MedlinePlus Drug Information.
Go to source).
References
1. Fukatsu S, Fukudo M, Masuda S, Yano I, Katsura T, Ogura Y, Oike F, Takada Y, Inui K. Delayed effect of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tacrolimus in a living-donor liver transplant recipient. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2006 Apr;21(2):122-5. doi: 10.2133/dmpk.21.122. PMID: 16702731.
2. National Library of Medicine: Tacrolimus MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601117.html
