Drug interactions
Cannabidiol + Pirfenidone
Severity: Moderate
Cannabidiol and Pirfenidone: 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
Pirfenidone is cleared mainly by CYP1A2, and cannabidiol may both inhibit and induce this enzyme. Pirfenidone exposure could therefore change unpredictably, affecting tolerability or efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cannabidiol and Pirfenidone 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; Pirfenidone belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Cannabidiol can modulate CYP1A2 activity (inhibition and induction), altering pirfenidone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for pirfenidone adverse effects such as nausea, photosensitivity and liver enzyme elevation, and for loss of effect. Adjust the pirfenidone dose as clinically needed.
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 Pirfenidone
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 Pirfenidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cannabidiol and Pirfenidone 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. Pirfenidone is cleared mainly by CYP1A2, and cannabidiol may both inhibit and induce this enzyme. Pirfenidone exposure could therefore change unpredictably, affecting tolerability or efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Cannabidiol and Pirfenidone?
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 for pirfenidone adverse effects such as nausea, photosensitivity and liver enzyme elevation, and for loss of effect. Adjust the pirfenidone dose as clinically needed.
What other medicines interact with Pirfenidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pirfenidone with, for example, Carbamazepine, Ciprofloxacin, Fluvoxamine. The full list is on the Pirfenidone page.
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