Cranberry - Brilinta (Ticagrelor) Interaction
Herbal: Cranberry
Also Known As: Vaccinium macrocarpon, Agrio, American Cranberry, Atoca, Atoka, Bearberry, Canneberge, Cranberry Powder, Da Guo Yue Jie, Da Guo Yue Ju, Kliukva, Kranbeere, Large Cranberry, Man Yue Ju, Man Yue Mei, Mossberry, Pois de Fagne, Pomme des Prés, Cranberry juice
Drug: Ticagrelor
Brand names:
Brilinta
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
Ticagrelor is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
A case of upper back pain, rhabdomyolysis, and abnormal liver function has been reported for a patient taking atorvastatin, a CYP3A4 substrate, in combination with cranberry juice 16 ounces daily for 2 weeks. Creatinine kinase and liver enzymes normalized within 2 weeks of stopping cranberry juice. Also, animal research suggests that cranberry juice, administered intraduodenally 30 minutes prior to nifedipine, a CYP3A4 substrate, inhibits nifedipine metabolism and increases the area under the concentration-time curve by 1.6-fold compared to control.
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
- Uesawa, Y. and Mohri, K. Effects of cranberry juice on nifedipine pharmacokinetics in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2006;58(8):1067-1072.
- Doad GJ, Kabange W. Cranberry juice, atorvastatin and back pain. J Med Assoc Ga 2014;103(1):14.
Cranberry Overview
Cranberries are a type of small, tart berry native to North America. They are a rich source of antioxidants, which are substances that help to protect cells from damage caused by harmful substances called free radicals. They are also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients.
Cranberry dietary supplements contain concentrated cranberry extract or powdered cranberry fruit. They are often used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), as cranberries are thought to have certain compounds that may help to prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract.
Ticagrelor Overview
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Ticagrelor is used to prevent a serious or life-threatening heart attack or stroke, or death in people who have had a heart attack or who have acute coronary syndrome (ACS; blockage of blood flow to the heart). It is also used to prevent blood clots from forming in people who have received coronary stents (metal tubes surgically placed in clogged blood vessels to improve blood flow) to treat ACS. Ticagrelor is used to decrease the risk of a first-time heart attack or stroke in people at risk with coronary artery disease (CAD; reduced blood flow to the heart). It is also used to decrease the risk of another more serious stroke in people who are having a mild to moderate stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA; ministroke). Ticagrelor is in a class of medications called antiplatelet medications. It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from collecting and forming clots that may cause a heart attack or stroke.
Cranberry - More Interactions
Cranberry interacts with 691 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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