What are the potential interactions between cannabinoids and over-the-counter medications?
What are the potential interactions between cannabinoids and over-the-counter medications? Potential interactions between cannabinoids and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can arise due to shared metabolic pathways and pharmacodynamic effects. Cannabinoids may influence the metabolism of certain OTC medications by interacting with cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially altering drug efficacy and safety. For instance, cannabinoids can inhibit or enhance the metabolism of medications such as analgesics and antihistamines, leading to increased side effects or diminished therapeutic effects. Additionally, the sedative effects of cannabinoids may compound with those of other sedatives, raising concerns about safety. Understanding these interactions is crucial for healthcare providers to inform patients about safe cannabinoid use alongside OTC medications (Sarris et al., 2020).