Can You Use Marijuana If You Take Cefdinir?
Article written by
Dipak HemrajHead of Research and Education
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
We are often told that alcohol and antibiotics don’t mix. Now that medical marijuana is more regularly prescribed, does it carry the same warning? While marijuana can interact with certain medications, taking the antibiotic cefdinir alongside cannabis is generally safe. As far as we know, cannabis does not interfere with the metabolization of most antibiotics.
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What Is Cefdinir?
Cefdinir is an antibiotic that is often sold under the brand name Omnicef. It must be prescribed by a doctor and is taken orally, usually once or twice a day, for 5 to 10 days.
Uses and How It Works
Cefdinir is a class of cephalosporin antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial infections. They are broad-spectrum antibiotics usually prescribed as an alternative to penicillin. Cefdinir works by disrupting the bacterial cell’s ability to build and maintain an outer cell wall. This prevents the bacteria from replicating and stops infections from spreading.
Cefdinir is commonly used to treat bacterial infections such as:
- Pneumonia
- Sinus infections (sinusitis)
- Throat and tonsil infections (strep throat, tonsillitis)
- Bronchitis (infection of airway tubes leading to lungs)
- Ear infections (otitis media)
Cefdinir may be used to treat other bacterial infections at a doctor’s discretion.
Patients that are prescribed cefdinir may also experience the following side effects:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Vaginal itching
- Reddish colored stools
When prescribed antibiotics like cefdinir, it is important to continue taking the medication until the prescription is finished (unless the side effects are severe and your doctor has permitted you to stop your dose early).
The infection may remain after the symptoms have gone, and not completing the prescription may result in the infection returning. Further consequences like antibiotic resistance may also occur, making it harder to treat infections in the future.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Mixing Cannabis and Cefdinir
Potential Benefits
Cannabis has no known drug interactions with cefdinir, and there are very few reports of adverse events when taking both drugs. This means that mixing cannabis and cefdinir may have the following potential benefits:
- Cefdinir may be prescribed for infections such as skin infections and pneumonia that may cause pain or discomfort. Cannabis is an analgesic (provides pain relief), so it could help reduce the pain caused by infection, while cefdinir directly treats the infection.
- Research suggests cannabis has antibacterial properties. This may help cefdinir fight the infection; however, there is no scientific data to support this claim.
- Medical cannabis may help manage some side effects of certain antibiotics, such as nausea, headaches, and GI issues.
Despite the potential benefits above, one should always consult their doctor before combining cannabis with any prescription medication like cefdinir.
Potential Risks
Reports of drug interactions between cannabis and cefdinir are few and far between. Because the research is limited, there is insufficient data to suggest that mixing these drugs is safe or inherently risky. With that said, the following risks may occur when mixing marijuana and cefdinir:
- Cannabis (THC and CBD) interacts with the cytochrome P450, enzymes mostly found in the liver that help our bodies process things like pharmaceutical drugs. Cefdinir also affects these enzymes, so mixing cannabis with cefdinir may cause some interactions.
- Although rare, some patients have reported adverse effects from mixing cannabis with cefdinir.
- Cefdinir may be prescribed for infections like bronchitis, an infection in the lungs. Smoking cannabis should always be avoided when treating lung infections.
While there is the potential for negative interactions when mixing cannabis with antibiotics such as cefdinir, little research is available to confirm this. Always consult your doctor or physician before combining cannabis with prescription medications like cefdinir.
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Why Mixing Cannabis With Cefdinir Can Help You Feel Better
There are no confirmed benefits to mixing both cefdinir and cannabis. However, cannabis has a range of potential medical benefits that may reduce some other symptoms of infection that aren’t treated by cefdinir. These may include:
- Pain relief
- Anxiety
- Improved mood
Cefdinir and other antibiotics often have side effects. Cannabis may help relieve some of the side effects associated with cefdinir like:
- Nausea
- Pain
- Headaches
- Vomiting
Although cannabis may help relieve some of the symptoms listed above, it should be noted that these are benefits of cannabis without taking another medication. Mixing cannabis with certain drugs, including cefdinir, should only be done with the prescribing doctor’s approval. If any unexpected side effects are experienced when mixing cannabis with cefdinir, stop taking cannabis and consult your doctor.
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The Bottom Line
There are no confirmed interactions between cannabis and cefdinir, and it may be safe to use both drugs simultaneously. However, you should never mix drugs with prescription medication without first seeking medical advice. If any adverse effects are experienced when mixing cannabis with cefdinir, cease taking cannabis and consult a healthcare provider.
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