Dave Zanoni
As pet owners increasingly turn to CBD (cannabidiol) to help manage pain, anxiety, inflammation, and seizures, it’s essential to understand how CBD interacts with prescription medications. While CBD can provide numerous benefits, it also has the potential to alter how certain medications are processed, which may increase side effects, reduce drug efficacy, or lead to unpredictable interactions.
This article explores how CBD interacts with common pet medications, which drugs may pose a risk when combined with CBD, and how to safely incorporate CBD into your pet’s treatment plan.
How CBD Affects Drug Metabolism in Pets
CBD is primarily metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (CYP450) in the liver—the same enzyme system responsible for metabolizing many veterinary drugs.
Key Ways CBD Can Affect Medications:
✔ Inhibiting Drug Metabolism: CBD can slow down the breakdown of certain medications, leading to higher drug levels in the bloodstream for a longer period. This may increase the risk of side effects or toxicity.
✔ Increasing Drug Clearance: In some cases, CBD may accelerate metabolism, causing a medication to leave the system too quickly, making it less effective.
✔ Compounding Side Effects: Since CBD has sedative, anti-inflammatory, and blood pressure-lowering properties, it can amplify the effects of similar medications, leading to excessive drowsiness, dangerously low blood pressure, or immune suppression.
Because of these potential interactions, consulting a veterinarian before introducing CBD is strongly recommended—especially if your pet is on other medications.
Medications That May Interact with CBD in Pets
1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Common NSAIDs for Pets:
- Carprofen (Rimadyl®)
- Meloxicam (Metacam®)
- Deracoxib (Deramaxx®)
- Firocoxib (Previcox®)
Interaction: Both CBD and NSAIDs are metabolized by the liver. While NSAIDs already carry a risk of gastric ulcers, kidney stress, and liver strain, combining them with CBD may increase liver enzyme levels, though this risk is dose-dependent and varies by pet.
Precaution: Pets on NSAIDs should have regular liver enzyme tests, and CBD should be introduced cautiously under veterinary guidance.
2. Steroids and Immunosuppressants
Common Pet Steroids & Immunosuppressants:
- Prednisone
- Dexamethasone
- Cyclosporine
- Apoquel® (Oclacitinib)
Interaction: CBD may alter the metabolism of these medications, potentially reducing or increasing their effects. Since these drugs regulate inflammation and immune responses, an interaction could weaken their efficacy or intensify side effects like immune suppression or infection risk.
Precaution: CBD’s interaction with Apoquel is not well-documented, but since both modulate the immune system, veterinary guidance is recommended when combining them. Dosage adjustments may be necessary, and regular monitoring is advised.
3. Anti-Seizure Medications
Common Seizure Medications for Pets:
- Phenobarbital
- Levetiracetam (Keppra®)
- Zonisamide
- Potassium Bromide
Interaction: CBD is sometimes used as a seizure treatment, but it can alter blood levels of anti-seizure drugs, potentially leading to toxicity (if levels rise too high) or reduced seizure control (if levels drop too low).
Precaution: If a pet is taking anti-seizure medications, CBD should only be introduced under strict veterinary supervision with blood monitoring to track drug levels.
4. Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants
Common Blood Thinners for Pets:
- Warfarin
- Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
- Heparin
Interaction: CBD affects platelet aggregation, meaning it can increase bleeding risks when combined with anticoagulants. Additionally, CBD may alter how long blood thinners remain active, leading to unpredictable effects on clotting.
Precaution: Pets on blood thinners should not receive CBD unless explicitly approved by a veterinarian, with frequent monitoring of clotting times.
5. Blood Pressure Medications
Common Blood Pressure Medications for Pets:
- Amlodipine
- Enalapril
- Benazepril
- Atenolol
Interaction: CBD naturally lowers blood pressure. When combined with antihypertensive drugs, this can lead to dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension), causing weakness, dizziness, or fainting.
Precaution: Blood pressure should be monitored if CBD is introduced to a pet already taking these medications.
6. Sedatives and Anxiety Medications
Common Sedatives & Anxiety Medications for Pets:
- Trazodone
- Alprazolam (Xanax®)
- Diazepam (Valium®)
- Gabapentin
Interaction: CBD has natural calming effects and may increase sedation when combined with these drugs. This can lead to excessive lethargy, difficulty waking, or slowed breathing.
Precaution: Lower doses of sedatives may be required if CBD is introduced. Monitor your pet closely for signs of excessive drowsiness or respiratory issues.
7. Chemotherapy Drugs
Common Chemotherapy Medications for Pets:
- Doxorubicin
- Vincristine
- Cyclophosphamide
Interaction: CBD can affect the metabolism of chemotherapy drugs, potentially leading to higher toxicity levels or reduced drug effectiveness. However, some studies suggest that CBD may also enhance certain chemotherapy effects, making interactions highly individualized.
Precaution: CBD should not be given to pets undergoing chemotherapy without strict veterinary oversight. A veterinarian will determine whether CBD is safe based on the specific cancer treatment plan.
Legal Disclaimer and Copyright Notice
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian before introducing CBD or any new supplement to your pet’s regimen. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for any damages or adverse effects resulting from the use of this information.
Have Questions?
If you are considering CBD for your pet, speak with a knowledgeable veterinarian to discuss safety, dosage, and potential drug interactions. Your pet’s health comes first!