Going to a Holiday Party? Try to avoid pussy foot and hairy armpit!
iStockphotoLast weekend I went to a holiday party where my host was serving an array of mixed drinks. I was amused by their names – pussy foot, a non-alcoholic fruit juice punch and hairy armpit a concoction of fruit juice and ouzo – until I learned that they were both made with grapefruit juice.
More than 50 prescription and over-the-counter medications are affected by grapefruit juice, including some commonly prescribed medications used to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, depression, pain, erectile dysfunction, and allergies. Grapefruit juice can interact with these medications possibly causing serious side effects.
Learn more about grapefruit juice and medications and check to see if your medication interacts with grapefruit juice using Drugs A to Z, a thorough drug database right here on About.com.
Since I take several medications that interact with grapefruit juice, I opted for a glass of warm apple cider. I also let my host know about grapefruit juice and medications—he was surprised, especially because he takes Zocor (simvastatin) and Norvasc (amlodipine), two medications that are affected by grapefruit juice.
What do you think? Leave a comment below or in the Medication Forum.
To ask me a question about medication, email me at drugs.guide@about.com.
Comments
Dear Dr. Mike,
Who’d a thunk it? Thanks for your advice about pussy foot and hairy armpit. Normally, I will have whatever they’re serving and lots of it! But from now on, I’ll ask questions first and drink later. Also, you might want to suggest that no one have a hairy armpit and then drive!