Lime - Femara (Letrozole) 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: Letrozole
Brand names:
Femara
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Letrozole 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.
Letrozole Overview
-
Letrozole is used treat early breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause (change of life; end of monthly menstrual periods) and who have had other treatments, such as radiation or surgery to remove the tumor. It is also used to treat early breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause and who have already been treated with a medication called tamoxifen (Nolvadex) for 5 years. Letrozole is also used in women who have experienced menopause as a first treatment of breast cancer that has spread within the breast or to other areas of the body or in women whose breast cancer has worsened while they were taking tamoxifen. Letrozole is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen produced by the body. This can slow or stop the growth of some types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.
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. |
Return to the main herbal interaction checker page
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.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
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!
Ask A Pharmacist