Amoxicillin is an antibiotic regularly prescribed in the US. Because of how common it is, it’s important to understand how it can interact with other substances. Specifically, many patients wonder whether or not it’s safe to combine amoxicillin and cannabis.
Because of the growing popularity of cannabis, there is a developing need to learn about how it interacts with different medications. In this article, we’ll discuss if amoxicillin is safe to combine with cannabis.
What is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic sold under brand names like Amoxil, Trimox, Amoxicot, Moxatag, and more. It is one of the most common antibiotics prescribed today. It can efficiently kill infections in the body and has a very high success rate. It treats and prevents bacteria that develop in conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
Amoxicillin is ineffective at fighting viruses, and if taken frequently, resistance can develop. As a result, it’s best to follow prescriptions closely and only take them when necessary.
You can either take amoxicillin in a pill or liquid form. In rare cases, amoxicillin can be injected. Most prescriptions require the antibiotic to be taken multiple times a day, and missing a dose has been shown to extend the length of your recovery.1
This medication typically begins to work after a few days. If someone has taken the full course of their amoxicillin and doesn’t see symptom improvement, they should contact their doctor and ask for further instructions.
How you respond to amoxicillin – and the extent to which you experience side effects – can depend on your biology and any other medications you’re currently taking.
Possible side effects of taking amoxicillin include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Wheezing
- Hives
Amoxicillin and Weed Interaction
It is important to understand how to take amoxicillin safely. Patients are typically advised against taking a few medications, including blood thinners and other antibiotics, while on amoxicillin.
If you regularly use cannabis, you may wonder if it can be combined with amoxicillin.
No scientific evidence suggests cannabis would lessen the effects of amoxicillin. And since cannabis and amoxicillin are drugs that are relatively accessible to people, there are many personal testimonies of combining the two without issue.
That said, certain antibiotics are metabolized through the same CYP450 enzymes as cannabinoids, so it’s possible that cannabis could reduce the efficacy of the drug or result in increased adverse side effects, including feelings of nausea, diarrhea, and anxiety.
Is There a Benefit to Using Amoxicillin and Weed Together?
Amoxicillin and cannabis each display antibacterial properties, so some theorize they may enhance each other’s effects. However, there is no research to support that claim. Research has shown that cannabis may be effective against certain forms of bacteria and that the efficacy might even increase when combined with other compounds.2
However, cannabis also has the potential to increase adverse side effects in some consumers. Everyone has a different reaction to cannabis, and it is best to consult with your doctor before combining cannabis with other medications you are taking. They can help you make informed health decisions and give proper guidance.
What Precautions Do I Need to Take when Using Amoxicillin and Weed?
If you’re going to be taking both amoxicillin and weed, it’s important to understand that cannabis may affect the body’s ability to process the antibiotic. Cannabis also may increase or decrease the severity of any adverse side effects.
Ask your doctor for their opinion before combining cannabis and amoxicillin. While many consumers have taken both without any adverse side effects, each individual’s experience may differ, and your medical practitioner can offer personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation and needs.
Can Marijuana Be Used as a Substitute for Amoxicillin?
Cannabis is not recognized as an adequate replacement for amoxicillin or other antibiotics. And for some consumers, cannabis may impact the efficacy or magnify the adverse side effects of amoxicillin.
Because amoxicillin may be prescribed to treat potentially severe conditions, it is important to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment regimen.
Resources
- Patel CN, Swartz MD, Tomasek JS, Vincent LE, Hallum WE, Holcomb JB. The Effects of Missed Doses of Antibiotics on Hospitalized Patient Outcomes. J Surg Res. 2019;233:276-283. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2018.08.015 ↩︎
- Karas JA, Wong LJM, Paulin OKA, et al. The Antimicrobial Activity of Cannabinoids. Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(7):406. Published 2020 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9070406 ↩︎
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
