CBD and Paracetamol
Paracetamol, an over-the-counter painkiller with very minimal adverse effects, is the most used treatment for pain. But more and more individuals are turning to all-natural painkillers like CBD. It is well known that CBD alters how some medications function. From this point of view, it is reasonable to consider if CBD and paracetamol may be used safely together.
This article will tell us all about CBD oil and paracetamol and how they are safe to be taken together for treating pain.
What is paracetamol?
Paracetamol is a regularly used drug that can help alleviate pain and lower a fever. It is frequently used to treat fevers brought on by diseases like the flu and the common cold and mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, and sprains. Since paracetamol is generally considered safe to consume and rarely causes adverse effects, it is frequently suggested as one of the initial therapies for pain.
Surprisingly, we still don't fully understand how paracetamol functions. One explanation might be its ability to block the cyclooxygenase enzymes that cause inflammatory responses.
Types of paracetamol
Most paracetamol products are available in supermarkets or pharmacies. Some are only available with a prescription.
You may buy paracetamol as
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Liquid - often for kids
- Soluble capsules (tablets that dissolve in water to make a drink)
- Suppositories (capsules placed into the rear passage) (capsules inserted into the back passage)
- Injection (administered into a vein that is often exclusively used in hospitals)
Paracetamol is combined with additional ingredients in some goods, such as cold and flu medicines or specific combination pain relievers. It may be offered for sale under the brand name paracetamol or a variety of other names (which may also contain other ingredients).
How to take paracetamol
Make sure you take paracetamol as recommended on the label, in the booklet, or by a physician.
How much you can take depends on your age, weight, and the type and potency of the paracetamol you're taking. For instance:
- Adults can often consume 1 or 2, 500 mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours, but they shouldn't consume more than 4g (8 x 500 mg pills) in 24 hours.
- Children under the age of 16 should take a reduced amount, depending on their age or weight; see the package or leaflet, or get advice from a pharmacist or other healthcare provider.
- Paracetamol liquid is administered to very young children with a measuring spoon or an oral syringe.
Paracetamol and other medications
Certain other drugs and paracetamol can interact in unusual ways. This could make either medication less effective and raise the possibility of negative side effects.
Paracetamol may not be safe to consume together with
- Other paracetamol-containing products, such as combination products with paracetamol among their ingredients
- Carbamazepine - is used to treat epilepsy and various forms of pain
- Colestyramine - is used to treat itching induced by primary biliary cirrhosis (a type of liver disease)
- Imatinib and busulfan -two drugs used to treat some cancers
- Ketoconazole - an antifungal medication
- lixisenatide - used to treat type 2 diabetes
- Metoclopramide - used to treat nausea and vomiting
- Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, and Primidone - used to manage seizures
- Warfarin - a blood clot preventative medication.
To find out if a medication may be used with paracetamol, look in the user manual that comes with it. If you're unsure, see a doctor or a pharmacist.
There are no documented negative effects from taking paracetamol with any specific meals or from consuming small amounts of alcohol.
Paracetamol side effects
Although they are uncommon, paracetamol side effects might include:
- An allergic response that could result in a rash and oedema
- Flushing, low blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat might occur when paracetamol is administered in the hospital into a vein in your arm.
- Blood conditions such as leukopenia (low number of white blood cells) and thrombocytopenia (low number of platelet cells)
- In severe situations, taking too much (overdosing) can cause deadly liver and kidney damage.
If you have any bothersome side effects that you believe may be related to paracetamol, see a physician or pharmacist right away.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol, sometimes known as CBD, is a chemical compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is produced from hemp, not cannabis, therefore it doesn't have any psychoactive effects or the "high" feeling that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another active compound from cannabis, does.
Many individuals use CBD oil for its perceived combatant of health issues.
Types of CBD
There are three main types of CBD, each with a unique combination of ingredients and concentrations:
- Full-spectrum: Consists of the entire cannabis plant. The THC content in full-spectrum products is less than 0.2%.
- Broad-spectrum: This has the majority of the chemicals found in the cannabis plant with out any THC present.
- Isolates: Do not include THC or any other cannabinoids other than CBD.
How to take CBD
CBD may be consumed in a variety of ways.
- Tinctures or drops. You can consume tinctures and drops of CBD oil. To ensure better absorption, keep the oil under your tongue for about a minute. For people who are constantly on the go, this is a practical and easy method to consume CBD.
- Capsules. For those looking for a simple and quick way to take CBD oil, using capsules is a terrific alternative. You take them the same way you would any other vitamin since they are incredibly simple to swallow. If you want to be sure you get the proper dosage for your body, this is a wonderful alternative.
- Edibles. This is a great way to consume CBD oil. Products like chocolates and gummies are available for you to choose from. They taste great and will let you receive your daily CBD dose while also enjoying a sweet treat.
- Vape oil. You may also use CBD vape oil to enjoy the benefits of CBD and the relaxing effects of vaping. This is a fantastic way to speed up the absorption of CBD into your system so you can experience the benefits faster.
- Balms and creams. CBD can assist with dryness and can make the skin look better. You only need to apply CBD to the skin for it to easily absorb into the skin.
- Food and beverages. Many individuals these days use CBD oil in their diet and beverages. You may add it to many other things, including your daily cup of coffee, smoothies or favourite beverages. This is an excellent way to benefit from the health benefits of CBD at home.
CBD and other medications
CBD may compete with or obstruct the liver's enzymes, which can cause too much or too little of the substance to be present in the body, a condition known as altered concentration. The drug may not perform as intended or there may be a higher chance of negative effects as a result of the changing concentration.
CBD can interact with medications including the following:
- Warfarin - a blood thinner
- Amiodarone - a heart rhythm medicine
- Levothyroxine - a thyroid medicine
- Clobazam, Lamotrigine, and Valproate - seizure drugs
CBD side effects
It's possible for CBD to have minor adverse effects. However, they’re uncommon. Here are known side effects.
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Consult your doctor before adding CBD to your regular regimen to prevent any negative effects.
CBD for pain and inflammation
CBD oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It functions by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) found on cells are used by the ECS to control a wide range of bodily functions. These receptors serve as messengers that work with CBD (cannabidiol) to assist the body to regain its overall equilibrium.
These receptors enable CBD to communicate with cells, causing the cells to alter how they function in response. This explains how CBD oil can treat a variety of conditions, including hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, arthritis pain, and inflammation.
Additionally, it can have an impact on anxiety, epileptic seizures, and affective disorders like depression and psychosis. CBD oil has the power to influence every ECS-dependent process, including blood sugar levels, breathing patterns, sleep and waking rhythms, and heart rate.
Can you take CBD and paracetamol together?
Yes. According to studies, CBD can affect how more than 350 different medications work. This is because the active ingredients in CBD and paracetamol interact with the same bodily enzymes, making them "competition" for the enzymes' availability. Fortunately, some studies have shown that CBD oil and paracetamol don't interact with each other.
Unlike paracetamol, CBD oil does not negatively impact the liver cells. This means that paracetamol and CBD oil can be used together without causing any potential drug interactions or side effects because they do not impact the same organs.
Why take CBD Oil and paracetamol together?
There are several benefits to combining CBD oil with paracetamol. CBD oil has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than paracetamol. Paracetamol and CBD oil can complement and enhance each other's benefits in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
It's important to understand that the methods through which paracetamol and CBD oil function are different. Paracetamol often provides fast pain relief within 10 to 20 minutes of taking it. Since CBD has a different mechanism of action than paracetamol, most people do not experience instant effects. It typically takes some time before you start to see a beneficial difference, especially with chronic pain.