Grapefruit

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 1, 2025.

What are other common names?

• Citrus maxima
• Citrus paradisi
• Agrume
• Bioflavonoid Complex
• Bioflavonoid Concentrate
• Bioflavonoid Extract
• Bioflavonoids
• Citrus
• Citrus Bioflavonoid Extract
• Citrus Bioflavonoids
• Citrus Extract
• Citrus Flavonoids
• Citrus Grandis Extract
• Citrus Peel Extract
• Citrus Seed Extract
• Cold-Pressed Grapefruit Oil
• CSE
• Expressed Grapefruit Oil
• Grapefruit Bioflavonoid Complex
• Grapefruit Extract
• Grapefruit Oil
• Grapefruit Seed Extract
• GSE
• Pink Grapefruit
• Rutaceae
• Shaddock Oil
• Standardized Extract of Grapefruit

What is this product used for?

Grapefruit, as a food, comes in a few forms like the fruit, juice, and seeds. It is also sold as tablets, capsules, and as a liquid. Grapefruit may help overweight people with weight loss. Grapefruit may also help people with diabetes control blood sugar. It may help improve cholesterol or blood pressure. Whole grapefruit may provide better effects than the juice.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

• This product interferes with MANY drugs. It reduces the effectiveness of many drugs. It increases side effects of some drugs. Talk with your doctor before you start using this product.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• Use this product with caution if you are breastfeeding.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Do not use pink grapefruit if you have certain heart problems, such as enlarged muscles of the heart. It may cause irregular heartbeats.

• Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.

• If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Diabetes or blood sugar problems

  • Heart problems

  • Liver problems

  • Cancer

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of low blood sugar. These include anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad loose stools or no stools

Last Reviewed Date

2024-12-13

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer