How does CBD interact with antibiotics?

If you're taking antibiotics and would like to consume CBD at the same time, you need to be careful. Before mixing the two, it's best to understand how it works in your body. CBD is a natural molecule, of course, but that doesn't mean it's without effect when it crosses paths with other treatments. Mama explains it all.

Things to remember

• CBD could influence the metabolism of certain drugs, including antibiotics.
• Effects vary according to the individual and the dose.
• Please seek medical advice before taking any medication together.

Is there a real risk in mixing CBD and antibiotics?

Antibiotics are powerful drugs used to combat bacterial infections. Today, scientific data remains limited. There are not yet enough precise clinical studies on the direct interaction between CBD and drugs such as antibiotics, but researchers are building on what they already know.

They know that CBD can slow down the elimination of certain drugs, which could theoretically increase the risk of side effects. It's also known that reactions to the molecules depend enormously on the individual, depending on many parameters such as age, weight, liver health, and whether other medications are taken at the same time.

In practical terms, this means that if you combine the two without medical supervision, you're taking a risk; not necessarily a huge one, but a real one.

For example, if you're taking an antibiotic known to be demanding on the liver (like clarithromycin), adding CBD could theoretically overload your system. And if you add to that other medications like painkillers or anxiolytics, for example, the equation becomes even more complex.

You should never think that "it's natural, so it's safe", because even a plant can influence a powerful medical treatment.

Precautions to take before mixing CBD and antibiotics

You know me, Mama doesn't like to dramatize. But on this subject, it's best to err on the side of caution. Before you decide to take CBD while you're on antibiotics, here's what you need to keep in mind:

• Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. They know your exact treatment and your state of health.
• Avoid self-medication. Just because CBD is available over the counter doesn't mean it's without consequences.
• Think about dosage. The more CBD you take, the greater the risk of interaction. High concentrations of oil, for example, are more concerned than a small herbal tea.
• Pay attention to the type of antibiotic. They don't all metabolize in the same way. Some will be more affected than others.
• If your doctor agrees, space out the times when you take your antibiotic and your CBD, to limit the risk of competition in the liver.
• Keep an eye on your body. If you notice any unusual effects (extreme fatigue, nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, etc.), stop taking CBD and consult your doctor immediately.

Another important point to consider is the elimination time. CBD can remain in your system for several days, depending on your dose and regularity. Even if you stop just before starting your antibiotic, there may still be some interaction.

And the potential benefits of CBD in this context?

Some people wonder whether CBD might "help" during antibiotic treatment. It is sometimes said to promote relaxation, improve mood or even relieve certain discomforts such as nausea, but these effects have not been scientifically proven in any solid way.

So don't think of CBD as a way of making your antibiotic more effective or reducing its side effects. If you want to use it for comfort, do so only after medical approval, and in small doses.

CBD is a beautiful plant, but it's not without impact when it encounters a treatment as serious as antibiotics. The danger is not guaranteed, but the risk exists.