Synopsis: Potential pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions between cannabinoids and drugs used for chronic pain. (Vazquez et al: BioMed Research International; 2020)
Despite increased use of cannabinoids for chronic pain there is limited research about potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between cannabinoids and other medications used for chronic pain. These researchers performed an electronic literature search of scientific literature focused on potential DDIs for cannabinoids with specific focus on efflux transporters and metabolic enzymes (P450 cytochromes). This review identified potential DDIs between cannabinoids and several opioids, acetaminophen, duloxetine, venlafaxine, amitriptyline, valproic acid and lamotrigine. More research into the risks for clinically significant DDIs when using cannabinoid for chronic pain is required.