Lime - Aricept (Donepezil) Interaction
Herbal: Lime
Also Known As: Citrus aurantifolia, Adam's Apple, Bara Nimbu, Bijapura, Citron Vert, Citronnier Vert, Huile de Lime, Italian Limetta, Key Lime, Lima, Lime Oil, Limette, Limettier, Turanj
Drug: Donepezil
Brand names:
Aricept, Adlarity
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Donepezil is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Lime juice inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4, causing increased drug levels and potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects. Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 that might be affected are some benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, others), felodipine (Plendil), verapamil (Calan, Verelan, others); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); some HIV antivirals such as indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase); some HMG CoA reductase inhibitors such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor); some macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin (Biaxin); quinidine; and many others.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Bailey DG, Dresser GK, Bend JR. Bergamottin, lime juice, and red wine as inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 activity: comparison with grapefruit juice. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2003;73:529-37.
Lime Overview
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated. It is a small, green, or yellow fruit with a sour, acidic taste and a fragrant, citrus aroma.
It is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants as well as other nutrients, such as flavonoids, which are plant compounds with purported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lime is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive disorders, respiratory conditions, and skin problems. It is also used as a natural remedy for fever, headache, and other ailments. Lime is sometimes applied topically to the skin to treat cuts, wounds, and other skin conditions, and is used in aromatherapy to improve mood and reduce stress.
Donepezil Overview
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Donepezil is used to treat dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and may cause changes in mood and personality) in people who have Alzheimer's disease (AD; a brain disease that slowly destroys the memory and the ability to think, learn, communicate and handle daily activities). Donepezil is in a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It improves mental function (such as memory, attention, the ability to interact with others, speak, think clearly, and perform regular daily activities) by increasing the amount of a certain naturally occurring substance in the brain. Donepezil may improve the ability to think and remember or slow the loss of these abilities in people who have AD. However, donepezil will not cure AD or prevent the loss of mental abilities at some time in the future.
Lime - More Interactions
Lime interacts with 844 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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