Can I Eat Grapefruit When I Take Coreg?

Coreg is the name brand of the drug carvedilol, also sold under the name Coreg CR. Carvedilol is prescribed as a treatment for congestive heart failure as well as an anti-hypertensive, or blood pressure, medication. Carvedilol functions as a nonselective Beta-blocker and an Alpha-1 blocker, meaning it limits the uptake of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit interferes with the metabolism and transport of many drugs. Its effects can last up to 72 hours after you've eaten or drunk grapefruit or other related citrus. It is because of this interference that you should not eat grapefruit or related citrus products at all while you are being treated with pharmaceuticals that may be affected. Although there is no significant interaction between grapefruit and carvedilol, you should check for grapefruit interactions with other drugs you may be taking before you consume grapefruit products.

Licorice

Avoid eating natural licorice while you are taking carvedilol. Even a relatively small serving of natural licorice candies equaling 100 g -- which is about two twists of candy -- can increase your body's concentration of cortisol, which in turn increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. The change in sodium and potassium balance will work against anti-hypertensive medication and increase your blood pressure.

Food and Alcohol

To increase the drug's effectiveness, take carvedilol with a meal or snack, but be sure you are not taking it within two hours either before or after drinking alcohol. Alcohol can speed up the release of carvedilol and create dangerously high levels of the drug in your bloodstream. High levels of carvedilol in your system can cause dizziness and low blood pressure.

Sodium and Calcium

Depending upon your medical history, your doctor may prescribe a diet low in sodium and calcium. Reductions in sodium or calcium are sometimes used to support the actions of carvedilol. If you are uncertain about changing your diet to accommodate sodium and calcium limitations, your doctor can refer you to a registered dietitian. Many health insurance plans will cover a consult with a dietitian when your physician makes the referral, but check your plan to be sure.