Abstract

THE COMPLEX INTERACTION OF FOOD-DRUG INTERACTIONS: A FOCUS ON FRUIT JUICES AND THEIR IMPACT ON MEDICATION PHARMACOKINETICS

Srushti M. Tamgadge*, Shruti L. Shrirao, Vaishnavi R. Ambulkar, Dr. Harigopal S. Sawarkar, Manali M. Bode and Gajanan M. Jawalakar

ABSTRACT

Drug interactions, a significant concern in healthcare, can have devastating consequences on patient safety and treatment outcomes. Food-drug interactions, or drug interactions, are commonly ignored although they may play a significant role in changing the pharmacokinetics of drugs. Particular examples include fruit juices which have shown propensity to interact with a wide range of pharmaceuticals, resulting in loss of bioavailbility, changes in therapeutic effect or adverse events. The purpose of this abstract is to give an overview of the multifaceted relationship between fruit juices and drugs, including the pathways of action that drive such interactions and their clinical relevance. Cytochrome P450 enzyme system and drug transporters including P-glycoprotein have an important function in drug metabolism and transport. Fruit juices, rich in bioactive compounds, can inhibit or induce these enzymes, leading to altered drug pharmacokinetics. The clinical significance of these interactions cannot be overstated. Healthcare providers should take fruit juice consumption into consideration in the context of medication prescription, especially for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index. Additional studies are needed to completely elucidate how these interactions are mechanistically mediated and to establish evidence-based practice recommendations for safe medication use in combination with fruit juices.

Keywords: Drug interaction, Pharmacokinetics, Cytochrome enzyme, Drug bioavailability, P-glycoprotein.