Grapefruit juice should be avoided with which other type of medication besides calcium channel blockers?

Grapefruit juice is known to interact with certain medications by inhibiting specific enzymes in the liver, primarily CYP3A4. This can lead to increased levels of certain drugs in the bloodstream, potentially resulting in adverse effects or heightened efficacy.

Statins, which are used to lower cholesterol levels, are particularly affected by grapefruit juice because it can increase the concentration of certain statins in the blood, such as simvastatin and atorvastatin. This increased concentration can raise the risk of side effects, including muscle pain or even more serious complications like rhabdomyolysis.

The other medication classes mentioned—antivirals, anticoagulants, and antidepressants—do not have the same significant interactions with grapefruit juice. While some may have specific considerations regarding food or additional potential interactions, the well-documented and clinically relevant interaction of grapefruit juice with statins is particularly notable and warrants serious attention. Therefore, avoiding grapefruit juice when taking statins is crucial for safety and efficacy in treatment.