Information about Cannabidiol

Generic Name : Cannabidiol
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Cannabidiol are provided here.

Pronunciation : kan-a-bi-DYE-ol

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Cannabidiol, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Therapeutic Classification : Anticonvulsants

Trade Names/Brand Names of Cannabidiol

India :

Epidiolex

Overview of Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol is a prescription drug used to treat seizures in patients two years and above who are associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome.

Why is Cannabidiol Prescribed? (Indications)

Cannabidiol solution for oral use is prescribed for treating seizures in children two years and older who are associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (stiffening of muscles or loss of muscle tension) or Dravet syndrome (a rare genetic dysfunction of the brain).

Cannabidiol is a marijuana plant-derived highly purified drug that should be dispensed only against a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.

When should Cannabidiol not be taken? (Contraindications)

Cannabidiol should not be used in patients with-

• Allergy to cannabidiol
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• History of drug or substance abuse
• Mood changes or suicidal thoughts
• Liver disorder
• Chronic alcoholism
• Children below two years of old

What is the dosage of Cannabidiol?

• The initial dose is 2.5 mg /kg body weight two times daily, and the dose can be further increased to 5 mg /kg body weight after a week, taken twice daily.

• The dose of cannabidiol is based on the patient’s response and the tolerability; the maintenance dose of cannabidiol is 10 mg/kg body weight twice daily.

• The dose of cannabidiol can be adjusted or reduced in patients with moderate to severe liver disorder but patients with mild liver disease require no dose alteration.

How should Cannabidiol be taken?

• Cannabidiol solution should be taken by mouth, using a measuring cup or an oral syringe to take the prescribed dose.

• Do not use a kitchen spoon as it will not deliver an accurate dose.

• Take cannabidiol solution at the same time every day with food.

• Cannabidiol solution should be discarded after 12 weeks from the day of opening.

• The dose should not be stopped suddenly but gradually decreased as abrupt withdrawal may induce seizures and increase their frequency. In some cases, even non-stop seizures could occur for a long time.

What are the warnings and precautions for Cannabidiol?

• Avoid taking alcohol as it may increase the sleepiness or drowsiness effects of cannabidiol.

• Patients must be advised not to drive or operate machinery, or get involved in dangerous activities as cannabidiol could alter the mental stability leading to poor mental judgment.

• Caregivers or patients should be asked to report to the emergency center if any signs of abnormalities such as changes in mood, behavior or suicidal thoughts occur.

• Patients should visit their physician without missing the appointment schedule to keep track of the disorder.

• The dose of cannabidiol should not be stopped suddenly but gradually decreased as abrupt withdrawal may induce seizures and increase their frequency. In some cases, even non-stop seizures could occur for a long time.

• Liver function should be evaluated before starting cannabidiol treatment, and one month, three months, and six months after the treatment and thereafter periodically.

• If any symptoms or signs of liver dysfunction such as jaundice or dark urine occur during the treatment, the dose can be reduced or therapy can be discontinued, and further supportive therapy considered.

What are the side effects of Cannabidiol?

• Drowsiness
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Anemia
• Difficulty in breathing
• Increased serum creatinine level
• Risk of infections
• Liver enzyme abnormalities
• Rashes

What are the other precautions for Cannabidiol?

• Cannabidiol should not be recommended to other people without the consent of the physician even if they have similar symptoms, as it may harm them.

• Elderly patients should be started with a low dose of cannabidiol as even a normal dose may affect the kidney, liver, heart function and other age-related disorders.

• Patients planning to have a cannabis drug screen should inform the healthcare personnel that they are on cannabidiol therapy as it may affect the test results.

What are the Drug Interactions of Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol and drugs acting on the brain or central nervous system should not be taken together, as the latter may increase the drowsiness effects of cannabidiol.

• Diazepam
• Alprazolam
• Clobazam
• Pentobarbitone
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Zolpidem
• Phenobarbitone
• Clonazepam
• Triazolam
• Estazolam

What are the storage conditions for Cannabidiol?

• Store cannabidiol oral solution in its original container at room temperature between 15 °C to 25°C.

• Keep the container tightly closed, away from children and pets.

• Do not freeze or refrigerate cannabidiol oral solution.