Are pummelos and grapefruits contraindicated with heart medications?

Answer

The pummelo, also known as shaddock, is a cross between a grapefruit and an orange and therefore contains the same compounds as grapefruit. Pummelos and grapefruit block an enzyme in the liver that breaks down many medications, including heart medications. Blocking this enzyme means there will be higher levels of circulating medicine in the body which can be dangerous.  Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you can consume grapefruit, pummelo, as well as the juice with your medicine.