Physicians prescribe hydrochlorothiazide, which is often referred to as a water or fluid pill, to treat the symptoms of several serious medical conditions, such as heart disease. Patients must guard against side effects when taking prescription medications, including interactions with foods, beverages and other medications. The otherwise healthy grapefruit juicy interacts dangerously with some high blood pressure medications. While information about hydrochlorothiazide provided by the National Institutes of Health does not warn against combining grapefruit juice with the medication, ask your doctor for an opinion before combining the two.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Doctors prescribe hydrochlorothiazide to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure. The medication, which may be combined in a pill with other drugs, helps your body pass excess salt and water through urination. The medication is also prescribed to treat electrolyte disturbances and diabetes insipidus. Patients with high blood-levels of calcium may take hydrochlorothiazide to prevent the development of kidney stones. Patients take the medication once or twice a day and are warned not to stop the medication without a doctor's approval and instruction.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to the speed and amount of medication absorbed by your body. Foods and drinks can influence the bioavailability of medication you are taking and can also affect how your body absorbs, metabolizes and excretes certain medication. Your body may absorb less of the medication or you might experience delayed absorption. Food and drink interactions, such as those that occur with grapefruit juice and some blood pressure medications, can also cause increased levels of medications in your body.
Grapefruit Juice Interaction
Grapefruit interacts dangerously with several medications, such as high blood pressure medications. The interactions cause your body to increase its absorption of the medication to dangerously high levels. This means you have more of the medication than your body needs or can safely use. Higher levels of the medication can also increase the likelihood that you will experience side effects, including unintentional overdose.
Precautions
Hydrochlorothiazide may be included as an ingredient in medications. For instance, hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril is a common combination medication for treatment of high blood pressure. Drug labels and patient information documents from your pharmacist contain information about your medication that can help you avoid dangerous food and drug interactions. Ask your doctor for specific instructions concerning food and drug interactions, including grapefruit juice.
Warnings
If you take hydrocholorothiazide, or a medication that contains hydrochlorothiazide, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about drinking grapefruit juice while taking the medication.
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