Is it Safe to Mix Cannabis with Antibiotics?

Unsurprisingly, this is an increasingly popular Google search as more and more individuals turn to medical cannabis for their day-to-day form of therapy. However, very little reliable information is accessible on this topic. Generally speaking, it is recommended not to combine other drugs with an antibiotic prescription. Marijuana is a natural plant though, so doesn’t that mean it’s ok?

Yes, but it could be problematic. Using marijuana at the same time with antibiotics isn’t advisable. However, it might not be as dangerous as some would expect. With that said, while you should not take any of the information you find here as medical advice, this article should give a better idea of what to expect if you decide to use marijuana while taking medicine.

How Marijuana Interacts with Medication? 

As you probably knew, cannabis has a reputation as a safe drug – at least in terms of overdose potential and toxicity. It is also vital to remember that everything your body ingests has either a chemical or a psychological response. As for instance, using cannabis while on antidepressants can   increase any or all side effects. We’ve also learned that smoking marijuana can be associated with symptoms of bronchitis. But in terms of precise information on the use of antibiotics and marijuana, little research is available.

Possible Adverse Reactions When Mixing Cannabis and Antibiotics

Though there is a very low risk, there’s always a likelihood of unfavourable reactions when you mix medications. Why? Drugs can act upon organs, systems and functions within the body. When one medication activates a particular system, it can very easily influence how the second medication is metabolized. For instance, cannabis that’s also been shown to possess antibiotic potential is known to inhibit the cytochrome p450 enzymes produced in our liver.

These enzymes are accountable for the biosynthesis of certain macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, troleandomycin, and miocamycin. Suppose cannabis use is inhibiting these enzymes. In that case, you are more susceptible to any side effects caused by the antibiotic – meaning that an erythromycin user may be more susceptible to the known side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

If you observe any side effects following antibiotic use, consider reducing your cannabis usage by half until you have finalized your antibiotic therapy. In case of severe side effects, it is advisable to stop using marijuana entirely until the bacterial infection has been addressed.

When to Not to Use Antibiotics with Medical Cannabis 

As we’ve previously mentioned, antibiotics can interact negatively with certain other medications and drugs. As a result, many of us are left wondering about the interaction between antibiotics and marijuana. So, can you smoke marijuana on antibiotics or not? If none of the side effects have made their appearance and your doctor even advised you to continue so, it means you can. However, if your doctor warns you against mixing medical cannabis with your current antibiotic, always follow their instructions. There are certain instances in which cannabis may actually worsen your problem. It may sound counterintuitive, but you want to avoid smoking weed or vaping it if you’re taking antibiotics to cure a lung or respiratory infection. As you know, the chemical and smoke can irritate the organs that prescription drugs are trying to repair.

Final Verdict 

Marijuana use does not appear to have adverse effects when consumed along with antibiotics. Of course, be sure you check in with your doctor before continuing medical cannabis use along with your antibiotic drugs.

Lastly, it never hurts to take your time, do your own research and consider all the facts. We repeat the fact that the information in this article is entirely informative and should not be taken as medical advice.