Can CBD Oil Interfere with Antibiotics?

When your doctor prescribes an antibiotic to address a specific health concern, you may have questions about interference from other things you use or take in your life. A common concern may relate to the use of cannabidiol, or CBD, and antibiotics.

The Use of CBD

CBD is a supplement that may be used for a myriad of purposes. In many cases, it is used as natural pain relief or a method of relaxing. Since one of the potential effects of CBD is drowsiness, it is ideal to ensure that it is used in a safe environment. 

While the use of CBD may vary slightly based on personal needs and goals, there is always a concern about interactions with medications when you take a supplement. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, then you may have concerns about the potential for negative interactions or side effects.

CBD and Antibiotics

When it comes CBD and antibiotics, the information about the potential for interference is limited. While there is a potential for CBD to interact or interfere with some prescription medications, it is not clear if it has any impact on antibiotics. 

As a general rule, you want to discuss the use of any supplements with your medical doctor when you are prescribed a new medication. You should tell your doctor when you are using a CBD supplement or product to ensure that you are not taking undue risks with your health. If you are taking other medications as well, then discuss the potential for interference or interactions from CBD with your doctor.

What is Antibiotic Interference?

Antibiotics are generally used to help with infections or certain sicknesses that may be caused by bacteria. Since studies into CBD and it’s interactions with prescription medications are limited, you may want to consider waiting to use CBD until you are no longer required to take an antibiotic.

If you are unsure about the possible interactions with your medications, then you should discuss your concerns with a medical doctor. Antibiotics are usually given for a short-term ailment and you will want to follow your doctor’s instructions in relation to the use of your prescription medication. Since you may only need the medication for a few days or a week, you can avoid any risk of interference from CBD supplements or products by waiting until you do not need the antibiotic.

Avoiding Risks

Studies into the risks of using CBD with prescription medications are limited. The impact of mixing CBD and antibiotics is not clear due to limitations in studies and the fact that many studies have focused on other medications. A simple way to avoid the risk is to wait to use or take any CBD supplements or products until you have spoken to your doctor or you are no longer taking the antibiotic.

You should avoid taking CBD with any medication that may change in your liver or may impact your liver. If the antibiotic has a risk of changing in your liver, then you should not take CBD to avoid interfering with the medication. Keep in mind that studies have not clarified what is a safe dose of CBD  to avoid interference with prescription medications. By talking to a doctor or medical professional, you can determine when it is better to avoid CBD when taking a prescription.

When a doctor gives you a new prescription, you may have concerns about the way it interacts with CBD supplements or products. It is not clear whether CBD interferes with antibiotics or not due to limited studies into the topic. If your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic, then you may want to wait to take CBD supplements or products until you no longer need the antibiotic.