The question of drug interactions is often raised by people using cannabidiol (CBD) for various therapeutic reasons. This is especially true if they are also taking common medications such as paracetamol (Doliprane®), a pain reliever containing paracetamol. To shed light on this topic, this article discusses the possible interactions between these two substances, as well as the precautions to take when using them together. CBD: A reminder about this molecule Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an active compound found in the cannabis plant, which is attracting increasing attention due to its potential therapeutic properties. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects; that is, it does not cause a “high” or a feeling of euphoria. Its potential beneficial effects include: Relief from anxiety and stress;Reduction of inflammatory and neuropathic pain;Reduction of symptoms of depression; Improved sleep;
Potential anti-tumor action.
More and more people are turning to CBD to benefit from these advantages, sometimes as a complement to conventional medications.
- Doliprane: a commonly used pain reliever
- Doliprane is a French brand of pain reliever containing paracetamol, marketed since 1980. It is primarily indicated for mild to moderate pain of various origins, such as headaches, dental pain, or menstrual cramps. Doliprane is also an effective antipyretic for reducing fever. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting certain chemicals in our body responsible for transmitting pain and regulating body temperature.
- Interaction between CBD and Paracetamol
- A competition at the metabolic level
- A series of studies have shown that CBD interacts with certain liver enzymes.
responsible for transforming and eliminating medications. Among them is the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) group. The majority of medications are metabolized via this pathway before being eliminated by the body.
However, it turns out that paracetamol is itself metabolized by these same enzymes.
When an individual consumes CBD and Doliprane simultaneously, there is therefore a risk of
competition between the two substances in liver metabolism.
This competition can affect the breakdown and elimination of these compounds, potentially leading to an increase in their half-life in the body.
Possible effects on liver function Given that both paracetamol and CBD are metabolized by the liver, it is legitimate to question the potentialcumulative effects on liver function. Indeed, prolonged use or high doses of paracetamol can cause liver damage in some predisposed individuals. For its part, although CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, some long-term studies have shown that it could potentially impact liver health at high doses.
However, current data do not establish a formal link between taking these two substances together and liver damage. Nevertheless, caution is advised, and a healthcare professional should be consulted before using CBD with medications, especially if you have a history of liver problems. Precautions to take when consuming CBD and paracetamol (Doliprane): While the potential interactions between paracetamol and CBD require further investigation, some best practices can be adopted to reduce risks:Follow the dosage instructions for each medication and avoid consuming them in high doses;
Avoid taking both substances at the same time whenever possible and try to stagger their doses;
Inform your doctor or pharmacist before starting to use CBD in combination with other medications, especially if you are undergoing long-term treatment or have liver problems;
- Ultimately, it is essential to adopt a responsible and preventative approach when deciding to use CBD in conjunction with a medication such as paracetamol (Doliprane). Existing studies do not allow us to draw conclusions about the potential harmful effects of this combination, but it is recommended to adopt a cautious approach to minimize health risks.
