Drug interactions
Ethanol + Nabilone
Severity: Major
Ethanol and Nabilone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Alcohol intensifies the sedative, cognitive and psychomotor effects of nabilone, and labeling advises against concurrent use. Impaired judgment, dizziness and accidents are more likely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethanol and Nabilone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from cannabinoid receptor agonism and alcohol's GABAergic and glutamatergic effects.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking nabilone. Counsel against driving or operating machinery.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
- Dehydrated Alcohol (Absolute Alcohol) BP for Injection - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (names the partner; "iptine, calcium channel blockers, oral coagulants such as Coumarins, phenindione, cycloserine, antifungal agents, Hyoscine, diuretics, metronidazole, nabilone, ") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Nabilone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethanol with Nabilone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethanol and Nabilone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Alcohol intensifies the sedative, cognitive and psychomotor effects of nabilone, and labeling advises against concurrent use. Impaired judgment, dizziness and accidents are more likely.
How serious is the interaction between Ethanol and Nabilone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking nabilone. Counsel against driving or operating machinery.
What other medicines interact with Nabilone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nabilone with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Nabilone page.
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