A recently published report claims that other juices, including orange and apple juice can cause similar problems. Juice has been shown to disrupt some anti-cancer drugs such as etoposide (Etopophos or Vepesid). It can also affect certain high blood pressure medicines like atenolol (Tenormin). Even some antibiotics do not work as well if taken with juice. These antibiotics include ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin).
Here's what you can do: Always read the package insert to determine if it is safe to take your medicine with juice. If unsure, discuss with your pharmacist or doctor. Our best advice is to take oral medicines with a glass of water.
People who take certain medicines for blood pressure or heart rhythm problems, have for years been told not to drink grapefruit juice. This is because the grapefruit juice seriously disrupts the normal rate at which those medicines get into the blood stream. That disruption can result in both over-dosing and under-dosing.
