Is It OK to Use Marijuana If You Take Cetirizine?

While the research is lacking, most anecdotal reports indicate that taking marijuana with cetirizine is generally safe, as they act on different pathways in the body. However, some drug-drug interaction risk is possible and may increase side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness, despite cetirizine’s non-drowsy effects.

Read on to learn what we know about cannabis’ interaction with cetirizine and what you should know if you need to take both medicines.

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What Is Cetirizine?

Cetirizine (brand name Zyrtec) is part of a second-generation class of antihistamines designed to be a non-sedative medication for allergies. It’s a popular medication, thanks to its non-drowsy effects – compared to medications like Benadryl – and the long time it lasts in users’ systems.

Uses and How It Works

Cetirizine is an over-the-counter medicine for those with allergies who use it to relieve symptoms like runny nose, red, itchy eyes, sneezing, hives, and general body itching. It works by blocking the action of histamines, cells that are responsible for allergy symptoms.

Cetirizine is also available with pseudoephedrine (brand name Sudafed) to control more severe cold and immune response symptoms. Common side effects of cetirizine can include:

• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Nausea or dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Sneezing or blocked/runny nose

Potential Benefits and Risks of Mixing Cannabis and Cetirizine

Potential Benefits

No research indicates any potential benefits of combining cannabis and cetirizine. Cetrizine and the components of cannabis target different pathways, even though they interplay with the immune system.

Cannabis isn’t known for dealing with histamines or allergic symptoms. However, it is theoretically possible that cannabis can reduce inflammation and cytokine production associated with an allergic reaction.

Potential Risks

In most cases, any adverse reactions caused by combining cannabis with cetirizine depend on how the liver metabolizes the latter. Cannabinoids like CBD lengthen or potentiate the sedative effects of cetirizine, resulting in more sleepiness than either compound on its own. However, the liver only minimally metabolizes cetirizine, which could reduce the potential drug-drug interaction via how cannabinoids are processed in the body.

Interestingly, taking cetirizine could reduce the absorption and effectiveness of CBD, particularly in edible form. Cetirizine has been observed to inhibit P-glycoprotein, an essential intestinal transporter that plays a role in how drugs are absorbed via the digestive tract.

Finally, some clinical trials have observed fatigue and increased tiredness when combining cetirizine with other medications. While cetirizine is minimally sedative, it may cause impairment or impact cognitive performance when taken with CBD.

The Bottom Line

You’re unlikely to experience adverse side effects when combining your allergy medication with medical marijuana. While taking cetirizine and marijuana simultaneously has minimal risk, discussing any possible drug interactions and unique health concerns with a qualified cannabis physician or pharmacist before concurrent use is best.

Apply for a medical marijuana card in your home state. Leafwell’s virtual clinic is open and here to serve you with valuable guidance as you move through the application process.

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