Does CBD Interact With Carvedilol (Coreg)?

Does CBD Interact With Carvedilol (Coreg)?

Yes. CBD may interact with carvedilol. 

The chances of serious interaction with this combination are low but not impossible. The most concerning side effects revolve around both substances’ ability to reduce blood pressure. Hypotension could result in lightheadedness, confusion, and fainting — all of which can become dangerous in certain situations. 

CBD may interact with carvedilol in two ways:

A) CBD Enhances the Effects of Carvedilol on the Body (Agonistic Interaction) 

When two items exert the same kind of effect on the body, they become agonists to each other. This causes more potency in their effects. Sometimes more potency of a medication isn’t a good thing. 

Carvedilol is used to reduce blood pressure by acting on the alpha-1adrenergic receptors, which relax the blood vessels and reduce peripheral vascular resistance.  

CBD, on the other hand, works on the endocannabinoid receptors, which is also involved with a reduction in blood pressure.

Therefore, taking both compounds together could result in a rapid decrease in the blood pressure, causing the user to feel dizzy and faint.

B) CBD May Slow Down Carvedilol’s Metabolism (Metabolic Competition)

Metabolic competition occurs when two or more compounds require the same enzymes for metabolism. They will compete with each other, leading to a slower metabolic rate overall.

Carvedilol gets metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzymes. CBD is metabolized by CYP2D6, too. This means consuming them together could cause them to compete.

The result could be the overaccumulation of one or both drugs in the body, delay in their removal, and increasing the risk of side effects or toxicity. 

This could be prevented or lessened to a certain degree by taking the two drugs at different times of the day with enough interval between the two (around 2 hours or more). 

Similar Medications: CBD & Alpha Blockers 

Carvedilol is classified as both an alpha-blocker as well as a beta-blocker. CBD and alpha-blockers all share similar risks for interaction and side effects.

Here’s a list of similar medications that share a similar level of risk when combined with CBD:

• Doxazosin Mesylate (Cardura)
• Prazosin Hydrochloride (Minipress)
• Terazosin Hydrochloride (Hytrin)

Is It Safe to Take CBD & Carvedilol (Coreg) Together?

A minimum dose of both drugs, taken for a short duration, is less likely to cause many side effects. But the same cannot be said for large doses or for even minimum doses taken for a longer time. 

Over long-term use, both drugs could accumulate more than normal in the body — leading to side effects. Some of these side effects can be severe and are worth trying to avoid. 

You can minimize the risk further by taking CBD and carvedilol at least 2-hours apart and speaking to your prescribing physician before you begin. 

No matter the dosage, you must always consult your medical practitioner before starting these two drugs together. Always be wary of any abnormal side effects, and if you encounter any health issues or side effects while taking these drugs, get medical help immediately.  

Is CBD A Viable Alternative to Carvedilol (Coreg)?

CBD has a blood pressure-lowering ability. However, this differs from the mechanism of action of carvedilol and may not be enough for severe cases. 

CBD works on the CB1 receptors of the endothelium by releasing nitric oxide that can dilate blood vessels, lowering blood pressure [1].  

CBD has been shown to reduce blood pressure in users who also have increased heart rates [2]. 

CBD has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties as well [3], which offers some indirect hypotensive effects by combating inflammation in the arterial system. 

CBD may be a good alternative for reducing blood pressure in mild cases, such as prehypertension. However, it may not be sufficient for people diagnosed with high blood pressure. 

What is Carvedilol (Coreg)? 

Carvedilol is an antihypertensive belonging to the alpha-blockers class. It has properties of both alpha-1 adrenoreceptor blocker and beta-adrenoceptor blocker. Coreg is one of its most commonly used brands. 

Carvedilol is used in the treatment of hypertension, mild to severe chronic heart failure, hypertension, and left ventricular dysfunction. 

It’s an FDA-approved drug and sold as a prescription-only drug in most countries.

Carvedilol (Coreg) Specs:

Other Names For Carvedilol (Coreg)

Carvedilol is sold under many different names. All share the same risk and potential interactions.

Other names for Carvedilol include:

• Caditone
• Cadmos
• Carca
• Carca-CR
• Cardivas
• Carelol
• Carloc
• Carzec
• Caslot

What Does Carvedilol (Coreg) Do?

Carvedilol is used in the treatment of coronary heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction, and hypertension.

It’s an alpha-1 adrenoceptor blocker that also possesses the properties of a beta-adrenoceptor blocker. This is attributed to its two forms, the S(-) enantiomer and the R(+) enantiomer. Its S(-) enantiomer is a beta-adrenoceptor blocker, and the R(+) enantiomer has both forms of beta and alpha-1 adrenoceptor blocker.

 The double ability of carvedilol can decrease side effects while using low-dose combination drugs in comparison to a single heavy dose of one drug. 

Carvedilol can decrease rapid or increased heart rate through beta-adrenergic antagonism, and it can lower blood pressure through alpha-1 adrenergic antagonism. Carvedilol can act on alpha-1 adrenergic receptors and relax the smooth muscle in the vasculature. This causes a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, which leads to an overall reduction in blood pressure. 

It has a long duration of action and should not be stopped abruptly as it may exacerbate coronary artery disease. 

At high doses, it may even be able to block calcium channels. It also has antioxidant properties, which can prevent oxidation of low-density lipoprotein and its uptake into coronary circulation. 

Carvedilol has a half-life of 4 to 7 hours, and it reaches peak concentration at 4 to 7 hours. Carvedilol can cause defects in the newborn if used during pregnancy, and there is no information about its effects on lactation. 

Side Effects of Carvedilol (Coreg) 

• Atrioventricular block
• Bronchospasm
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Decrease in heart rate
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dyspnea
• edema
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Hepatotoxicity
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Hyperglycemia
• Hypersensitivity
• Hypertriglyceridemia
• Hypotension
• Impotence
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Palpitations
• Raynaud phenomenon
• Rhinitis
• Skin rash
• Increased sleepiness
• Syncope
• Vomiting
• Weight gain

Key Takeaways: Is it Safe to Take Carvedilol (Coreg) With CBD?

CBD and carvedilol carry a mild to moderate risk of interaction with each other. The main concern is that CBD may cause blood pressure to drop too low when used in combination with prescription antihypertensives like carvedilol. Side effects of this would involve dizziness, confusion, and fainting. These side effects can be dangerous while driving, operating heavy machinery, or moving up or down stairs.

It’s always wise to speak with your doctor before taking supplements alongside prescription medications. 

You can also further minimize the risk of side effects by separating the dose of carvedilol and CBD by 2 hours.

References

1. Stanley, C. P., Hind, W. H., Tufarelli, C., & O’Sullivan, S. E. (2015). Cannabidiol causes endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries via CB1 activation. Cardiovascular Research, 107(4), 568-578. 
2. Jadoon, K. A., Tan, G. D., & O’Sullivan, S. E. (2017). A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI insight, 2(12). 
3.  Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.