What is the Role of Furanocoumarins in Drug Interactions?
Furanocoumarins are well-known for their ability to interact with certain medications. They inhibit the function of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), an enzyme crucial for the metabolism of many drugs in the liver. This inhibition can lead to increased blood levels of medications, potentially causing toxicity. Grapefruit juice is a common source of furanocoumarins that can cause such interactions, affecting drugs like statins, calcium channel blockers, and some psychiatric medications.
