Drug interactions
Cannabidiol + Efavirenz
Severity: Moderate
Cannabidiol and Efavirenz: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 and may lower cannabidiol exposure, while its CYP2C19 effects are mixed. Cannabidiol can also inhibit CYP2C19 and CYP2B6 pathways, altering efavirenz exposure. Efficacy and tolerability of cannabidiol may change.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cannabidiol and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Cannabidiol belongs to Central Nervous System; Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Efavirenz induction of CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 and cannabidiol effects on CYP2C19 and CYP2B6 alter exposure of both drugs.
What to do
Monitor seizure control and adverse effects, and titrate cannabidiol according to response. Monitor liver enzymes and HIV viral load.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Cannabidiol
- Cannabidiol + Phenytoin Major
- Cannabidiol + Sodium valproate Major
- Cannabidiol + Tacrolimus Major
- Abiraterone + Cannabidiol Moderate
- Alogliptin-pioglitazone + Cannabidiol Moderate
- Amiodarone + Cannabidiol Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cannabidiol with Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cannabidiol and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 and may lower cannabidiol exposure, while its CYP2C19 effects are mixed. Cannabidiol can also inhibit CYP2C19 and CYP2B6 pathways, altering efavirenz exposure. Efficacy and tolerability of cannabidiol may change.
How serious is the interaction between Cannabidiol and Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor seizure control and adverse effects, and titrate cannabidiol according to response. Monitor liver enzymes and HIV viral load.
What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.
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