Tips to Avoid Dog CBD Oil Drug Interactions
Date Published: 2019-03-28
Date Updated: 2019-03-28
We know one fact for sure: CBD oil is safe to give our dogs. However, have we ever considered if CBD oil is safe to take in conjunction with other prescription drugs?
Most of the time, CBD oil can be taken with other prescription drugs, but that’s not always the case. If your dog is taking a high enough dose of CBD oil, he or she may experience a drug interaction when combining the two medications. Let’s continue reading to get a better idea of when you should avoid mixing the two treatment methods.
Why can CBD oil interact with other pharmaceutically prescribed medications?
When your dog consumes CBD oil, it can interact with other medications, in turn affecting a specific group of liver enzymes known as cytochrome P450. This particular group of enzymes is known to metabolize more than half of the pharmaceutically prescribed medications on the market today, such as ibuprofen, diazepam, and amitriptyline.
The process by which the cytochrome P450 enzymes abide by is as follows: The enzymes add oxygen to the medication, therefore making it water-soluble and easier to break down by the kidneys. The issue that may arise when giving your dogs both CBD oil and pharmaceutically prescribed medications is that the CBD products may potentially inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzymes, therefore altering the liver’s capabilities of metabolic functioning.
In summary, if the CBD oil and pharmaceutically prescribed medication are ingested at the same time, the cytochrome P450 enzymes will only really be able to metabolize one of the two. This will generally leave the pharmaceutically prescribed medication in the body longer, leading to a more significant effect of the drug.
Keep in mind, CBD dosage will always play a factor in determining if there is a drug interaction. A little bit of CBD oil in combination with a pharmaceutically prescribed medication will likely not have a significant effect on your dog.
What medications can interact with CBD products?
As mentioned above, the cytochrome P450 enzymes can metabolize more than half of the pharmaceutically prescribed medications on the market, but the other percentage is not for sure. To be safe, check out the list below that mentions all medicines that have a possibility of interacting with CBD products when given in high dosages:
- NSAIDS
- Antihistamines
- Steroids
- Benzodiazepines
- Fentanyl
- Narcotics
- Anesthetics
- Antibiotics
What health benefits does CBD offer?
Though there is always a potential for drug interactions when combining CBD products with pharmaceutically prescribed medications, you still have to keep in mind that CBD oil has its benefits.
If you’re wondering what CBD oil and similar products can do for you and your dog, check out the list below of benefits:
- CBD products minimize inflammation issues
- CBD products help provide relief from anxiety and stress
- CBD products help provide relief from allergies
- CBD products help regulate metabolic processes
- And much, much more
If you’re thinking about trying CBD products for your dog, be sure to start with small dosages, as you can always increase the amount you give him or her.