How do compounds found in grapefruit juice cause potential drug interactions?
Answer
Furanocoumarins inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme responsible for metabolizing many prescription drugs
Grapefruit contains furanocoumarins that inhibit the enzyme CYP3A4 in the small intestine. This inhibition prevents proper drug metabolism, causing the medication to enter the bloodstream at higher, potentially overdosed concentrations.

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