can i drink coffee with levothyroxine

The drug levothyroxine

, known by the names Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithyroid, and others, is a thyroid drug that can be affected by coffee. When taken with coffee, the drug may not be properly absorbed, which lowers the amount of levothyroxine that enters the bloodstream. 1

Full Answer

Is it okay to drink coffee after taking Synthroid?

If you are taking Synthroid or levothyroxine for your thyroid then you should NOT be taking it with your morning cup of coffee. If you do, you risk limiting how much of that medication can get into your body which may affect your symptoms. Waiting at least 60 minutes after your cup of coffee is probably enough time to limit this effect.

Can I drink coffee while taking hydrocodone?

When taking hydrocodone and caffeine, your ability to operate a car or other machinery may be compromised. This drug combination can cause lethargy along with dizziness, a quickened pulse and heart palpitations. You should avoid being a primary child caretaker while on this medication unless you know how it affects you.

Can I take Benadryl with coffee?

I take allergy meds with coffee/caffeine all of the time. Benadryl isn't the best allergy med to be taking. Caffeine also works as a decongestant so If you are worried about it drink your coffee first and see if you still need allergy relief then take the Benadryl. It’s fine. I take Benadryl with everything all the time.

Can you drink coffee while taking Lexapro?

With other ssris like lexparo, caffeine may be agitating for some people but there are no conclusive studies that I have heard of or read. Caffeine can certainly cause agitation in some people, so if you feel its upsetting you, its probably wise to drop it or cut down (changing from coffee to tea, or tea to green tea are some examples).

How long after levothyroxine can I drink coffee?

drinks containing caffeine, like coffee, tea and some fizzy drinks, can reduce the amount of levothyroxine your body takes in. Leave at least 30 minutes after taking levothyroxine before you drink them.

Is it OK to drink coffee with hypothyroidism?

The caffeine or coffee itself isn't a problem, but many people drink coffee with cream or milk. The calcium in dairy products can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption. Wait an hour after taking your thyroid medication to have your cappuccino or latte.

Can you take levothyroxine at night?

Conclusions Levothyroxine taken at bedtime significantly improved thyroid hormone levels. Quality-of-life variables and plasma lipid levels showed no significant changes with bedtime vs morning intake. Clinicians should consider prescribing levothyroxine intake at bedtime.

How do I lose weight on levothyroxine?

Stop weight gain A daily dose of levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid) will rev up your thyroid hormone production again, and with it, your metabolism. Once you're on the right dose, your weight should stabilize, and you shouldn't have any more trouble losing weight than anyone else.

Does levothyroxine cause weight gain?

In some cases, Synthroid may lead to weight gain. This is because the drug can increase your appetite, which may make you eat more food than usual. It's also possible for you to gain weight if your dose of Synthroid isn't high enough for your body's needs.

What are the long term side effects of levothyroxine?

The studies proving this are not limited in numbers, they demonstrate an association between long-term levothyroxine therapy and increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and fractures. In addition to this it also increases the economic burden on the patients owing to price surge [5].

What can I eat for breakfast after taking levothyroxine?

Most foods are considered fine to eat for breakfast as long as they are eaten 30 to 60 minutes after taking levothyroxine....Official answerSoybean products.Cottonseed meal.Walnuts.Dietary fiber.Grapefruit juice.

When will I start to lose weight on thyroid medication?

The first barrier is getting the right dose of thyroid medication. Once you have reached your ideal dose, you may notice some weight loss after around three to six months of continuous use.

Does caffeine make hypothyroidism worse?

Caffeine speeds up your metabolism¹. This can cause temporary relief of hypothyroid symptoms, but can also potentially put more stress on your thyroid. If you have hyperthyroid, then caffeine can make your symptoms worse.

What drinks are good for hypothyroidism?

Water is the healthiest drink for someone with hypothyroidism. It's thirst-quenching and calorie-free. Making water your beverage of choice may also help with weight loss.

Does caffeine affect TSH levels?

Scientific studies that assessed the effects of caffeine consumption on TSH (a hormone that affects thyroid function) concentrations, observed reduced TSH concentrations as a result of consuming an amount of caffeine equivalent to three cups of coffee.

Does coffee stimulate thyroid?

Summary. Caffeine in coffee and other caffeinated beverages can affect the absorption of the thyroid drug levothyroxine by making the drug pass through your gut too quickly. This can cause your T4 hormone levels to drop or fluctuate.

How Should You Take Your Levothyroxine?

Q. I read on your website that you should not drink coffee within one hour of taking a thyroid pill. My endocrinologist disagrees with you. He said I can have coffee with levothyroxine, though I still should wait 45 minutes before eating breakfast.

Can you take levothyroxine the same way every day?

While it makes sense to avoid foods, drinks and medicines that interfere with levothyroxine absorption, the most important principle for taking this drug is consistency. Taking it exactly the same way every day allows the physician to adjust your dose to your needs.

Is tirosint affected by coffee?

A different formulation, Tirosint, isn’t affected by coffee, although it is pricey ( Vita et al, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, July 2014 ). A recent review recommends either this soft-gel formulation or an oral liquid levothyroxine for people troubled by malabsorption due to digestive disorders, bariatric surgery or incompatible medications ( Fallahi et al, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, May 2017 ).

Does coffee interfere with levothyroxine?

A. Years ago, Italian researchers demonstrated that coffee interferes with the absorption of levothyroxine pills such as Synthroid ( Benvenga et al Thyroid, March 2008 ). They also pointed out that bran and other dietary fibers block levothyroxine absorption more completely. So do antacids containing aluminum hydroxide or sucralfate. Calcium carbonate antacids, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole ( Prilosec) or esomeprazole ( Nexium ), as well as the osteoporosis drugs raloxifene ( Evista) all interfere significantly with levothyroxine absorption ( Liwanpo & Hershman, Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Dec. 2009 ).

What is Levothyroxine used for?

Levothyroxine is one of the most commonly prescribed thyroid medications, used to replace or supplement ...

What is the best medicine for thyroid?

Levothyroxine is one of the most commonly prescribed thyroid medications, used to replace or supplement the hormones a healthy thyroid naturally produces. Caffeine is a widely available substance found in coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate. Like many other drugs and medications, caffeine interferes with your body's ability to take up ...

What is the bitter taste of coffee?

Caffeine. Caffeine is a bitter-tasting substance found in all non-decaffeinated coffees as well as many teas, sports drinks and soft drinks. Caffeine is an ingredient in some pain relief medication, including Maximum Strength Anacin and Extra Strength Excedrin.

How long does it take for caffeine to pass?

To avoid any interaction with caffeine, allow six hours to pass, if possible, between the time you take levothyroxine and the time you drink coffee or another caffeine-containing beverage.

Is levothyroxine a thyroid hormone?

Levothyroxine, also called T4 or thyroid hormone , is sold under such brand names as Synthroid, Levoxyl and Unithroid. Doctors prescribe this drug for patients whose thyroids do not manufacture sufficient amounts of hormone or who have had their thyroids removed due to disease or cancer. The medication is usually taken every day and is generally required for life.

Can you eat and drink with levothyroxine?

Like many other drugs and medications, caffeine interferes with your body's ability to take up levothyroxine. You can still eat and drink foods containing caffeine as long as you precisely follow your physician's instructions for levothyroxine dosing and avoid taking caffeine at the same time.

Can you drink coffee with levothyroxine?

You can still drink caffeine-containing beverages if you take levothyroxine, as long as you do not ingest caffeine at the same time as your medication. Your doctor will most likely direct you to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach with a full glass of water and to avoid eating and drinking anything other than water for an hour afterward. To avoid any interaction with caffeine, allow six hours to pass, if possible, between the time you take levothyroxine and the time you drink coffee or another caffeine-containing beverage. To avoid any fluctuations in your day-to-day absorption of levothyroxine, maintain a consistent time schedule for taking both your medication and for ingesting caffeine, suggests "Pharmacy Times."

How to take levothyroxine?

Taking levothyroxine with plain water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning will help you avoid most issues with substances that affect its absorption. Wait about an hour before you eat anything or drink coffee.

What supplements can interfere with levothyroxine?

In addition, certain mineral supplements, including calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and iron sulfate, will decrease the effects of levothyroxine.

Can levothyroxine be taken with fiber?

These products decrease the absorption and thus the effectiveness of levothyroxine. Fiber supplements may also negatively affect absorption of the thyroid medication.

Does fiber affect thyroid?

Fiber supplements may also negatively affect absorption of the thyroid medication . Advertisement. Yet some food interactions can have beneficial effects. For example, getting abundant vitamin C increases levothyroxine's absorption, according to a February 2017 review in Clinical Therapeutics.

Can antibiotics cause drug interactions?

Antibiotics can also cause drug interactions with varying results. A study published in the November 2013 issue of Thyroid shows this paradox. These researchers gave two antibiotics — ciprofloxacin and rifampin — to eight subjects also given levothyroxine. Advertisement.

Does levothyroxine affect your body?

Many drugs affect the way your body absorbs levothyroxine, so you should tell your health care provider about everything you take, including nutritional supplements.

Can you drink coffee with levothyroxine?

Avoid drinking coffee when taking levothyroxine. Image Credit: ValentynVolkov/iStock/GettyImages. Doctors prescribe levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, a medical condition caused by an underactive thyroid. Taking levothyroxine with other drugs or certain foods might have negative consequences.

Why Does It Take That Long To Drink Coffee After Levothyroxine?

Since doctors recommend their patients to take their medicines in the morning on an empty stomach then there has to be a reason that the medicine affects your body when your stomach is full. Therefore, you should follow the instructions provided to you by your doctor to prevent fluctuations in your thyroid hormones.

What is L-thyroxine used for?

Levothyroxine or also known as L-thyroxine is a medicine that is used to treat thyroid hormone deficiency. The tablet or the medicine can also be used to treat other types of thyroid tumors and is not indicated for weight loss management.

Can you take liquid or gel instead of tablets?

However, there is the option of certain gel or liquid formulations instead of taking solid tablets. These forms of medications are absorbed by the body quicker than the standard formulations. These forms of medications were introduced for people who have digestive and absorbing problems or have some kind of allergy issues.

Can you drink coffee with thyroid disease?

However, drinking coffee is not restricted for people drinking coffee but it has to be consumed at a specific given time.

Can you switch to another brand of thyroid medicine?

Never try to switch to another medication brand because that is not recommended at all. It will be the reason for the fluctuations of your thyroid hormones and might be dangerous for you. But, in case you are having a problem absorbing the medicine then switching to another brand might just help.

Can you drink coffee after taking levothyroxine?

This is one of the reasons why people suffering from thyroid should make sure that they do not drink coffee for the first hour after taking their Levothyroxine medicine.

Why does coffee make my stool loose?

2  It may also induce an increase in the amount of fluid that flows from your body into your intestines, which results in loose stools.

What is the gel called for thyroid?

If you have trouble controlling your thyroid hormones and your doctor believes that intestinal absorption is to blame, you may be switched to the soft gel or liquid formation of levothyroxine called Tirosint and Tirosint-Sol.

Can levothyroxine cause muscle weakness?

When this happens, your thyroid hormone levels can drop and lead to symptoms of hypothyroidism, including fatigue, muscle weakness, weight gain, hoarseness, and sensitivity to cold. 4

Can coffee affect levothyroxine?

The drug levothyroxine, known by the names Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithyroid, and others, is a thyroid drug that can be affected by coffee. When taken with coffee, the drug may not be properly absorbed, which lowers the amount of levothyroxine that enters the bloodstream. 1

Can you switch from levothyroxine to another?

Switching from your current levothyroxine formulation to another is not generally recommended because it can cause your thyroid levels to fluctuate. 2

Can you drink coffee with levothyroxine?

Researchers have found that for patients taking levothyroxine tablets, absorption is affected by drinking coffee within an hour of taking thyroid drugs. This is why experts recommend that you wait ...

Does caffeine affect thyroid medications?

Other types of thyroid drugs, including triiodothyronine (T3) and antithyroid drugs, are not affected by caffeine. 6

How to get levothyroxine to work?

Drink water to increase levothyroxine absorption. As is common with medications, taking your thyroid drugs with water is the best way to ensure complete levothyroxine absorption. It is recommended that you take your medication with a full, 8-ounce glass of water. In fact, if you take your thyroid medication in the morning, ...

Does lemon water help with levothyroxine?

In fact, if you take your thyroid medication in the morning, taking your medicine with hot lemon water not only will aid in levothyroxine absorption, but also will help promote healthy levels of stomach acid and aid the liver’s detoxification function.

Can you drink coffee after taking levothyroxine?

You can still drink coffee…just later. While coffee has been shown to interfere with levothyroxine absorption, it does not necessarily mean you have to give up coffee. To help prevent an interaction between coffee and thyroid medication, patients should wait at least one hour after taking their thyroid drugs to have coffee.

Does coffee help with thyroid?

Coffee has been shown to reduce thyroid drugs absorption. Because many people take their thyroid medication first thing in the morning, it’s not uncommon for them to swallow their pills while enjoying a cup of coffee. However, studies have found that taking your thyroid drugs with coffee could reduce absorption of the medication by up to 36%.

Can you drink coffee with thyroid medication?

Getty. Many people drink coffee with their morning pills, but the link between coffee and thyroid medication means you may want to reconsider. That’s not to say you have to cut coffee from your diet, but you will need to alter your schedule to ensure your favorite latte doesn’t mess with your thyroid drugs.

Can coffee stall thyroid medication?

Your morning coffee is not the only beverage that could stall the absorption of your thyroid drugs. Other caffeinated drinks such as caffeinated tea, hot cocoa, or caffeinated soft drinks could have the same effect at limiting levothyroxine absorption. So as with coffee, you should wait at least an hour after taking your thyroid medication ...

Can you drink coffee in the morning?

Many people have concluded, just as you did, that no coffee in the morning is a non-starter. Instead, they take their Synthroid in the evening. That eliminates the problem of coffee with Synthroid and works just as well, if not better ( Bolk et al, Archives of Internal Medicine, Dec. 13, 2010 ).

Does coffee affect thyroid hormone?

Drinking coffee with Synthroid leads to lower absorption of this thyroid hormone. Fiber and cow's milk also interfere. What's for breakfast?

Does coffee affect levothyroxine absorption?

Quite a few foods can affect Synthroid absorption. Coffee and soybeans can significantly reduce the amount of levothyroxine that is absorbed, while vitamin C increases absorption ( Skelin et al, Clinical Therapeutics, Feb. 2017 ). If you like a latte, or put milk on your bran flakes, the plot thickens. Cow’s milk also interferes with optimal levothyroxine absorption ( Chon, Endocrine Society, April 1, 2017 ).

Is It Essential to Take Synthroid in the Morning?

Q. I was told to take my Synthroid before breakfast. Some of my favorite healthy breakfast choices have a lot of fiber, like oatmeal and granola and walnuts. I read that fiber can interfere with Synthroid absorption.