Why should I avoid grapefruit juice with amlodipine?

Grapefruit blocks the enzyme that breaks down amlodipine, increasing blood levels by 15-20% and intensifying side effects including dizziness, swelling, and dangerously low blood pressure.

Why must you avoid grapefruit when taking amlodipine?

Grapefruit blocks the enzyme that breaks down amlodipine, leading to dangerously high levels in the bloodstream and intensifying side effects including low blood pressure, dizziness, and swelling.

Should I take amlodipine with or without food?

Amlodipine can be taken with or without food as absorption isn't significantly affected either way, but taking it at the same time each day helps maintain consistent blood pressure control.

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Can I eat this with Amlodipine?

Grapefruit significantly increases amlodipine blood levels, intensifying side effects including low blood pressure and dizziness.

Also sold as Amdelta, Amlostin. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.

Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 79 foods and drinks for Amlodipine (7 to avoid, 64 to take care with) — or tap one below.

Quick answers

Why should I avoid grapefruit juice with amlodipine?: Grapefruit blocks the enzyme that breaks down amlodipine, increasing blood levels by 15-20% and intensifying side effects including dizziness, swelling, and dangerously low blood pressure.
Why must you avoid grapefruit when taking amlodipine?: Grapefruit blocks the enzyme that breaks down amlodipine, leading to dangerously high levels in the bloodstream and intensifying side effects including low blood pressure, dizziness, and swelling.
Should I take amlodipine with or without food?: Amlodipine can be taken with or without food as absorption isn't significantly affected either way, but taking it at the same time each day helps maintain consistent blood pressure control.

Grounded in the checker below and the full guide. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.

1 · What do you take?

Amlodipinealso amlodipine, amlodipine besylate, Istin

Grapefruit significantly increases amlodipine blood levels, intensifying side effects including low blood pressure and dizziness.

Amlodipine can be taken with or without food, but grapefruit and related citrus fruits must be avoided entirely as they block the enzyme that breaks down the medication, leading to dangerously high levels in the bloodstream. Alcohol may worsen side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure. Consistency in timing helps maintain stable blood pressure control.

Read our full Amlodipine guide →

2 · What do you want to eat or drink?

Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.

Foods to avoid with Amlodipine· 7

Take care with Amlodipine· 64

Fine with Amlodipine· 8

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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.

Food groups that matter with Amlodipine

Every medicine each one affects, on one page.

Affected by the same foods as Amlodipine.