New Long-Read Genetic Test Enables Faster and More Comprehensive Diagnosis of Rare Diseases
November 18, 2025
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Brand Name :
Epidiolex
Synonyms :
cannabidiol
Class :
Cannabinoids, Anticonvulsants
Brand Name :
Epidiolex
Synonyms :
cannabidiol
Class :
Cannabinoids, Anticonvulsants
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
Oral solutionÂ
100mg/mLÂ
Indicated for Seizures
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome/Dravet syndrome:
Initial dose: 2.5 mg/kg orally two times a day
Maintenance dose: After one week, may enhance to 5 mg/kg two times a day
If a 5 mg/kg two times a day dose is tolerated, and then seizure diminishment is required. when the maintenance dose is enhanced to 10 mg/kg two times a day (20 mg/kg every day), the patient may benefit, and it may achieve by an enhanced weekly increment of 2.5 mg/kg two times a day as tolerated
If further quick titration from 10 mg/kg every day to 20 mg/kg every day is warranted, the dose might be enhanced no further frequently than the every other day
20 mg/kg every day dosage administration resulted in a somewhat substantial diminishment in rates of seizures than the 10 mg/kg every day maintenance dose, Yet with enhancement in adverse reactions
Tuberous sclerosis complex:
Initial dose: 2.5 mg/kg orally two times a day
Enhanced weekly increment of 2.5 mg/kg two times a day as tolerated to the maintenance dose of 12.5 mg/kg two times a day
If further quick titration is warranted, the dose might be enhanced no further frequently than the every other day
Dose <12.5 mg/kg two times a day, effectiveness is not studied in individuals with Tuberous sclerosis complex
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
Oral solutionÂ
100mg/mLÂ
Indicated for Seizures
Age >1 years
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome/Dravet syndrome:
Initial dose: 2.5 mg/kg orally two times a day
Maintenance dose: After one week, may enhance to 5 mg/kg two times a day
If a 5 mg/kg two times a day dose is tolerated, and then seizure diminishment is required. when the maintenance dose is enhanced to 10 mg/kg two times a day (20 mg/kg every day), the patient may benefit, and it may achieve by an enhanced weekly increment of 2.5 mg/kg two times a day as tolerated
If further quick titration from 10 mg/kg every day to 20 mg/kg every day is warranted, the dose might be enhanced no further frequently than the every other day
20 mg/kg every day dosage administration resulted in a somewhat substantial diminishment in rates of seizures than the 10 mg/kg every day maintenance dose, Yet with enhancement in adverse reactions
Tuberous sclerosis complex:
Initial dose: 2.5 mg/kg orally two times a day
Enhanced weekly increment of 2.5 mg/kg two times a day as tolerated to the maintenance dose of 12.5 mg/kg two times a day
If further quick titration is warranted, the dose might be enhanced no further frequently than the every other day
Dose <12.5 mg/kg two times a day, effectiveness is not studied in individuals with Tuberous sclerosis complex
Refer to adult dosingÂ
cannabidiol: they may diminish the serum concentration of hormonal contraceptives
cannabidiol: they may diminish the serum concentration of hormonal contraceptives
cannabidiol: they may diminish the serum concentration of hormonal contraceptives
cannabidiol: they may diminish the serum concentration of hormonal contraceptives
cannabidiol: it may increase the risk of CNS depression
cannabidiol: it may increase the risk of CNS depression
cannabidiol: it may increase the risk of CNS depression
cannabidiol: it may increase the risk of CNS depression
cannabidiol: it may increase the risk of CNS depression
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP1A2 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP2C19 metabolism
may have an increased effect of a CNS depressant when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased effect of a CNS depressant when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased effect of a CNS depressant when combined with cannabinoid products
may diminish the concentration of serum when combined with cannabinoid products
may diminish the concentration of serum when combined with cannabinoid products
may diminish the concentration of serum when combined with cannabinoid products
may diminish the concentration of serum when combined with cannabinoid products
may diminish the concentration of serum when combined with cannabinoid products
CNS depressants increase the efficacy of cannabinoid products
CNS depressants increase the efficacy of cannabinoid products
CNS depressants increase the efficacy of cannabinoid products
CYP3A strong enhancers of the small intestine may reduce the bioavailability of cannabidiol
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may increase the risk of adverse effects of antipsychotic agents
may increase the risk of adverse effects of antipsychotic agents
may increase the risk of adverse effects of antipsychotic agents
may increase the risk of adverse effects of antipsychotic agents
may increase the risk of adverse effects of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the tachycardiac effect
may enhance the tachycardiac effect
may enhance the tachycardiac effect
may enhance the tachycardiac effect
may enhance the tachycardiac effect
may enhance the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may enhance the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may enhance the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may enhance the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may enhance the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may enhance the adverse effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of antipsychotic agents
may increase the tachycardic effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may increase the tachycardic effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may increase the tachycardic effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may increase the tachycardic effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may increase the tachycardic effect of cannabinoid-containing products
CNS depressants increase the efficacy of cannabinoid-containing products
CNS depressants increase the efficacy of cannabinoid-containing products
CNS depressants increase the efficacy of cannabinoid-containing products
may have an increased CNS depressant effect when combined with cannabinoid-containing products
may have an increased CNS depressant effect when combined with cannabinoid-containing products
may have an increased CNS depressant effect when combined with cannabinoid-containing products
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with sympathomimetics
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with sympathomimetics
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with sympathomimetics
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with sympathomimetics
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with sympathomimetics
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of tachycardia of cannabinoid-containing products
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of tachycardia of cannabinoid-containing products
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of tachycardia of cannabinoid-containing products
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of tachycardia of cannabinoid-containing products
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of tachycardia of cannabinoid-containing products
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonergic agents
may decrease the serum concentration when combined with CYP1A2 substrates
may decrease the serum concentration when combined with CYP1A2 substrates
may decrease the serum concentration when combined with CYP1A2 substrates
may decrease the serum concentration when combined with CYP1A2 substrates
may decrease the serum concentration when combined with CYP1A2 substrates
Combining cannabidiol with pranlukast may cause a reduction in the cannabidiol’s metabolism
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of cannabinoid products
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of cannabinoid products
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of cannabinoid products
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of cannabinoid products
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of cannabinoid products
Combining tegafur with cannabidiol can reduce tegafur’s metabolism
When dexrabeprazole and cannabidiol is used together, this leads to reduction in the dexrabeprazole’s metabolism
When domeperidone and cannabidiol is used together, this leads to reduction in the domeperidone’s metabolism
When cannabidiol is used together with fluconazole, this leads to reduction in the cannabidiol metabolism
When acetohexamide is used together with cannabidiol, this lead to reduction in acetohexamide’s metabolism
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid products
When cannabidiol is used together with norelgestromin, this leads to a rise in norelgestromin’s metabolism
When encainide is used together with cannabidiol, this leads to a reduction in the encainide’s metabolism
cannabinoid receptor agonists: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inducers
cannabinoid receptor agonists: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inducers
cannabinoid receptor agonists: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inducers
cannabinoid receptor agonists: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inducers
cannabinoid receptor agonists: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inducers
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with cannabis
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with cannabis
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with cannabis
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with cannabis
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with cannabis
cannabidiol: it may increase the risk of methemoglobinemia agents
cannabidiol: it may increase the risk of methemoglobinemia agents
cannabidiol: it may increase the risk of methemoglobinemia agents
cannabidiol: it may increase the risk of methemoglobinemia agents
cannabidiol: it may increase the risk of methemoglobinemia agents
cannabidiol: it may increase the excretion rate of bamifylline
cannabidiol: It may increase the risk or severity of methemoglobinemia with ambroxol
cannabidiol: it may decrease the metabolism of sulfamethoxazole
may decrease the level of serum concentration
may decrease the level of serum concentration
cyclophosphamide effect of action decreased by affecting enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of liver problems  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects   
metronidazole enhances the effect of cannabidiol by altering the intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
CNS depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-Containing products
CNS depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-Containing products
CNS depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-Containing products
CNS depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-Containing products
CNS depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-Containing products
valproate increases the hepatotoxicity of cannabidiol
it decreases the efficacy of antiseizure agents
may increase the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may increase the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may increase the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may increase the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may increase the CNS depressant effect of cannabinoid-containing products
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the tachycardiac effect of sympathomimetics
may have an increased CNS depressive effect when combined with cannabinoid-containing products
may have an increased CNS depressive effect when combined with cannabinoid-containing products
may have an increased CNS depressive effect when combined with cannabinoid-containing products
may increase the risk or severity of hypertension when combined
may increase the toxic effect of CNS muscle relaxants
may increase the anticholinergic effect of anticholinergic agents
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
promethazine/dextromethorphanÂ
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
may increase the tachycardic effect of Anticholinergic Agents
may increase the tachycardic effect
may increase the tachycardic effect
may increase the tachycardic effect
may increase the tachycardic effect
may increase the tachycardic effect
May enhance the tachycardic effect
May enhance the tachycardic effect
May enhance the tachycardic effect
May enhance the tachycardic effect
May enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by diminishing metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by diminishing metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by diminishing metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by diminishing metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by diminishing metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with cannabidiol by diminishing metabolism
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased effect of CNS depressant when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased effect of CNS depressant when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased effect of CNS depressant when combined with cannabinoid products
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with cannabinoid-containing products
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with cannabis
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with cannabis
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with cannabis
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with cannabis
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with cannabis
may have an increased adverse effect when combined with cannabis
may have an increased adverse effect when combined with cannabis
an increase in risk of hypertension can be seen when cannabidiol is taken with mufebutazone
may diminish the concentration of serum when combined with cannabis
may diminish the concentration of serum when combined with cannabis
When cannabidiol is used together with lomitapide, this leads to enhanced concentration serum of lomitapide
sirolimus serum concentration may be elevated by cannabidiol
tiagabine increases the hepatotoxicity of cannabidiol
they increase the toxicity of iobitridol
seizure lowering agents increase the toxic or adverse effects of iohexol
Actions and Spectrum:Â
cannabidiol is naturally occurring compound which is generally found in cannabis plants, primarily in hemp. It is one of the many cannabinoids present in the plant, yet it does not produce the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use. Here’s some information on the action and spectrum of cannabidiol:Â
Action:Â
Spectrum:Â
Frequency definedÂ
>10%Â
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome/Dravet syndromeÂ
Transaminases elevated (8-16%)Â
Somnolence (23-25%)Â
Infection, other (21-25%)Â
Insomnia (5-11%)Â
Fatigue, malaise, asthenia (11-12%)Â
Infections, all (40-41%)Â
Diarrhea (9-20%)Â
Infection, viral (7-11%)Â
Rash (7-13%)Â
Diminished appetite (16-22%)Â
Tuberous sclerosis complexÂ
Elevated transaminases (25%)Â
Pyrexia (19%)Â
Somnolence (13%)Â
Diarrhea (31%)Â
Vomiting (17%)Â
Decreased appetite (20%)Â
1-10%Â
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome/Dravet syndromeÂ
Sedation (3-6%)Â
Anger, aggression (3-5%)Â
Pneumonia (5-8%)Â
Diminished weight (3-5%)Â
Irritability, agitation (5-9%)Â
Infection, fungal (1-3%)Â
Hypoxia, respiratory failure (3%)Â
Gastroenteritis (4%)Â
Tuberous sclerosis complexÂ
Gastroenteritis (8%)Â
Anemia (7%)Â
Fatigue, malaise, asthenia (5%)Â
Ear infection (8%)Â
Nausea (9%)Â
Rash (8%)Â
Rhinorrhea (4%)Â
Pneumonia (4%)Â
Urinary tract infection (5%)Â
Increased eosinophil count (5%)Â
Gait disturbance (9%)Â
Decreased weight (7%)Â
Black Box Warning:Â
NoneÂ
Contraindication/Caution:Â
ContraindicationÂ
CautionÂ
There are some cautions to be aware of when using CBD products. Here are a few critical points to consider:Â
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
AU TGA pregnancy category: B2
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.Â
Lactation:  Â
Excreted into human milk: Not known.Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Â
Pharmacology:Â
The pharmacology of cannabidiol (CBD) involves interacting with various receptors and signaling pathways in the body. CBD acts indirectly on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by modulating the activity of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), resulting in potential effects on pain modulation, inflammation, mood regulation, and other physiological processes. CBD also interacts with
non-cannabinoid receptors such as serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), vanilloid receptors (TRPV1), and adenosine receptors, contributing to its potential anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Additionally, CBD has been shown to influence the release and uptake of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, further influencing its potential therapeutic effects. However, the exact mechanisms of action and the full extent of CBD’s pharmacological effects are still being investigated, and more research is needed to understand its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics fully.Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
Mechanism of action: The action of cannabidiol (CBD) is complex and involves interactions with various receptors and signaling pathways in the body. While the full extent of CBD’s mechanisms is still being explored, here are some critical aspects of its action:Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
After administration, cannabidiol (CBD) is absorbed through various routes depending on the method of administration. When taken orally, CBD is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the small intestine. Sublingual administration allows for absorption through the mucous membranes under the tongue. Inhalation delivers CBD directly to the lungs, facilitating rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Topical application allows for localized absorption through the skin.Â
DistributionÂ
Once absorbed, CBD is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. It has a relatively high volume of distribution, indicating that it can distribute widely into tissues. CBD is lipophilic, meaning it has an affinity for fat molecules, which may influence its distribution and accumulation in fatty tissues.Â
MetabolismÂ
CBD undergoes metabolism primarily in the liver, where enzymes break it down. The main enzyme responsible for CBD metabolism is cytochrome P450 (CYP450), particularly the CYP3A family. cannabidiol can also inhibit the activity of certain CYP450 enzymes, potentially affecting the metabolism of other medications.Â
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
After metabolism, CBD and its metabolites are eliminated from the body through excretion. The main route of elimination is through the feces, with a smaller portion excreted in the urine. The exact elimination half-life of CBD can vary depending on factors such as dose, individual metabolism, and the method of administration.Â
Administration:Â
Oral administrationÂ
cannabidiol (CBD) can be administered in various forms, depending on the intended use and individual preferences. Here are some standard methods of CBD administration:Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: cannabidiolÂ
Pronounced: [ KAN-a-bi-DYE-ol ]Â
Why do we use cannabidiol?Â
cannabidiol has gained attention for its potential therapeutic uses in various areas. While research is ongoing, here are some potential uses of CBD:Â
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