Does cranberry juice interfere with any medications? (2023)

Can you drink cranberry juice with blood pressure tablets?

Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down some medications that are broken down by the liver, including nifedipine (Procardia). In theory, drinking cranberry juice while taking nifedipine might increase the effects and side effects of nifedipine (Procardia).

Potential Risks of Cranberry Juice

Drinking too much sugar can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, and blood sugar spikes. Cranberry juice may also cause problems with certain blood thinning medications. If you take blood thinners, be sure to speak with your doctor about how much cranberry juice is safe to drink.

Cranberry juice should be used with caution if you have the following conditions: Diabetes: Sweetened cranberry juice can cause blood sugar spikes due to the presence of added sugar. Kidney stones: Cranberry juice is high in oxalates, which can lead to kidney stones.

Although interactions between cranberries and statins have not been studied, cranberry juice is known to increase the bioavailability of nifedipine and midazolam by inhibiting CYP3A4 oxidative enzymes in the small intestine. This finding supports the possibility of an interaction between cranberries and simvastatin.

Cranberry juice

In addition, cranberry juice may help reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. Finally, cranberries are an excellent source of blood-pressure-lowering vitamin C.

Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80.

Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening. Blood pressure is usually lower at night while sleeping.

The top drinks for lowering blood pressure include water, fruit juices (pomegranate, prune, cranberry, cherry), vegetable juice (tomato, raw beet), tea (black, green), and skim milk.

They are packed with antioxidants and can help reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections in some people. Also, they may promote heart health, improve blood sugar control, boost immunity and protect against cancer, cavities and stomach ulcers. Dosages of up to 1,500 mg per day are safe for most.

Cranberry juice has been thought to help with kidney stones, but research suggests that it may actually increase kidney stones formation — especially calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common kidney stones. Ideally, you should try to limit your juice intake to around one cup (236 mL) or less per day.

When is the best time to drink cranberry juice?

Drinking fresh cranberry juice can aid in weight loss. All you have to do is drink a glass of cranberry juice without sugar in the morning on an empty stomach. This will help you start your day on a healthy note.

Cranberry juice and the elderly

Cranberries are full of antioxidants, which have long been established as fighting the ageing process. They can help with the following issues, common in older people: heart issues, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. boosting bone health, as they are high in calcium.

Most research suggests that ingestion of cranberry juice may be useful in preventing urinary tract infections.

Last week, Ocean Spray released the results of a study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which suggests drinking an 8-ounce glass of cranberry juice every day could help reduce the likelihood of a UTI by 40 percent, at least in women over 40 who frequently have the infection.

Prevent Blood Clots

The high concentration of salicylic acid in cranberries provides similar effects as aspirin, which is a salicylate. Drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements can help prevent blood clots by acting as a blood thinner.

Two servings per day of cranberry juice significantly improved LDL and HDL cholesterol, two important parameters that may decrease the risks of heart disease.

Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity decreased by 0.5 m/s (6%) after cranberry juice consumption and increased by 0.4 m/s after placebo consumption. This favorable effect of juice compared with placebo was statistically significant. No effect of beverage consumption on carotid-radial pulse wave velocity was found.

Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee a day may increase your blood pressure. If you're a big fan of coffee, tea or other caffeine-rich drinks, such as cola and some energy drinks, consider cutting down.

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between cranberry and Tylenol Cold + Mucus Severe. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Does cranberry juice interfere with antibiotics?

Although evidence of its effectiveness is limited, cranberry juice is widely used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, recent studies have shown that cranberry juice may affect the way the body absorbs and metabolizes antibiotics used to treat UTIs.

Cranberry is considered safe with almost all medications. In medicinal doses it may increase the effect of anti-coagulation drugs like warfarin (Coumadin), causing bleeding.

Fortunately, Eliquis has not been shown to have a bad interaction with any foods. The usual culprits when it comes to food-drug interactions, such as leafy green vegetables, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, coffee, and peppermint tea, are safe to enjoy while taking Eliquis.