Medications That May Interact With Pomegranates: What You Need to Know

Medications That May Interact With Pomegranates: What You Need to KnowMedications That May Interact With Pomegranates: What You Need to Know
Read Time: Last Update: Apr 02Publish Update: Jan 15
  5. FAQ

Pomegranates are a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition. It is high in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. As a result, it can provide several health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved brain health, and better gut health. 

However, while incorporating pomegranates into your daily routine is a healthy choice, it's essential to be mindful if you're taking certain medications, as certain components in pomegranates may potentially interact with them.

In this article, we'll discuss medications that may interact with pomegranates. If you are taking any of the medications mentioned below, it's advisable to consult with your doctor before consuming significant quantities of pomegranates or using pomegranate supplements.

Key takeaways

  • Pomegranate may interact with certain medications, causing the medicine to lose its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. 
  • Pomegranates may have an interaction with ACE inhibitors, blood thinners, statins, blood pressure medication, and proton pump inhibitors. 
  • If you are going to add a pomegranate supplement while taking chronic medication, make sure you consult with a health professional before adding it into your routine.

Pomegranates Interactions with Medication: what do you need to know

Medication interactions can happen when molecules in the food, beverages, or other drugs affect the way your body processes and metabolizes a specific medication. These interactions may lead to a decreased drug efficacy, increased side effects, or other unexpected consequences. 

Pomegranates, while natural and healthy are no exception. Here are some medications that can interact with pomegranates. 

  • ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors prescribed to help reduce blood pressure and support heart failure, may interact with pomegranates. Combining them may lead to increased levels of the medication in your bloodstream. 
  • Blood thinners. Since pomegranate is rich in vitamin K, it may counteract the effect of blood thinners (anticoagulants). If you want to include pomegranates, it’s important to maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K and talk with your healthcare provider before adding pomegranates. 
  • Statins. These are often prescribed to help reduce cholesterol levels. Research shows that combining pomegranate with statins may cause rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle fiber) and possible kidney failure. It seems that this may be due to pomegranates blocking an enzyme in the intestines, leading to a higher absorption of the medication. 
  • Blood pressure medication. One of the effects of pomegranates is lowering blood pressure. So, if you are already taking blood pressure medication, combining it with pomegranate juice or extract may lead to unusually low blood pressure. 
  • Proton pump inhibitors. Pomegranate may interfere with the absorption of proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole. This can result in a reduction in the effectiveness of the medication. 

what medication can interact with pomegranate

What Should I Do If I Want To Take Pomegranate Supplements Safely?

Before you incorporate pomegranate juice or extract into your diet, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and the medications you are taking. Once you have their approval, monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice any unusual symptoms or side effects, discontinue pomegranate supplementation immediately and consult your healthcare provider. Additionally, ensure you choose reputable brands known for their quality and potency, and always follow the recommended dosage.

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Conclusion

Pomegranates are a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition. It is high in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. As a result, it can provide several health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved brain health, and better gut health. 

However, while incorporating pomegranates into your daily routine is a healthy choice, it's essential to be mindful if you're taking certain medications, as certain components in pomegranates may potentially interact with them.

In this article, we'll discuss medications that may interact with pomegranates. If you are taking any of the medications mentioned below, it's advisable to consult with your doctor before consuming significant quantities of pomegranates or using pomegranate supplements.

FAQ

  • Pomegranates can interact with several medications, including blood thinners, statins, blood pressure medications, proton pump inhibitors, and ACE inhibitors. These interactions may affect drug effectiveness or lead to potential side effects. That is why consulting with a health professional for personalized guidance is essential when consuming pomegranate supplements with specific medications. 

  • Yes, you can take medicine after eating pomegranate. However, it’s important to be aware of any potential medication interactions. Some medications may be affected by pomegranates, which could impact their effectiveness or lead to unwanted side effects. 

  • The negative health effects of pomegranates are very rare, but some individuals may experience digestive discomfort, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and bloating. This may happen when consuming pomegranate in excess. Additionally, pomegranates may interact with certain medications, affecting their effectiveness or leading to side effects. 

  • You can eat pomegranate with statins, but it’s important to be cautious. Pomegranates may interact with certain statin medications, increasing the risk of side effects or affecting their effectiveness. 

  • Drinking pomegranate juice while taking atorvastatin may cause possible interactions. Pomegranate can affect the metabolism of the medication, leading to changes in its effectiveness and side effects. For that reason, make sure you consult with your doctor before adding it. 

  • Consuming pomegranate while taking Lipitor may cause possible interactions. Pomegranate may affect the metabolism of the medication, increasing the risk of side effects or affecting the effectiveness of the medication. 

  • Drinking pomegranate juice with cholesterol medication may potentially interfere with the medication’s effectiveness. Consult with your doctor before adding pomegranate juice when taking cholesterol medication. 

  • Yes, pomegranate juice can interfere with medications. It contains compounds that may affect the way certain drugs are metabolized in the body. As a result, it can reduce the effectiveness of the medication or increase the risk of side effects. 

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References

  1. Hidaka, Muneaki, et al. “EFFECTS of POMEGRANATE JUICE on HUMAN CYTOCHROME P450 3A (CYP3A) and CARBAMAZEPINE PHARMACOKINETICS in RATS.” Drug Metabolism and Disposition, vol. 33, no. 5, 26 Jan. 2005, pp. 644–648, https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.104.002824. Accessed 29 Nov. 2020.
  2. Mansoor, Kenza, et al. “Impact of Pomegranate Juice on the Pharmacokinetics of CYP3A4- and CYP2C9-Mediated Drugs Metabolism: A Preclinical and Clinical Review.” Molecules, vol. 28, no. 5, 24 Feb. 2023, p. 2117, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36903363/, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28052117. Accessed 11 July 2023.
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810
  4. DiNicolantonio, James J., et al. “Omega-3s and Cardiovascular Health.” The Ochsner Journal, vol. 14, no. 3, 2014, pp. 399–412, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4171799/. Accessed 15 Mar. 2023.
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