The Right Way to Take Thyroid Medications

Did you know there is a right way and a wrong way to take your thyroid medication? If you take levothyroxine for your thyroid, you should know there are a variety of factors that can affect how well this medication will work. It is important to make sure you take it correctly so you can get the most out of it.

For example, levothyroxine should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This is because its absorption can be decreased by a variety of substances including iron, fiber and calcium. It is best to wait at least 30 minutes after taking levothyroxine before eating anything. It may also be prudent to wait at least 4 hours before taking any supplements that contain iron, calcium, magnesium or aluminum.

There are other items that can possibly reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. For example, there is also evidence that suggests that coffee can reduce its absorption. Levothyroxine absorption may also be affected by certain medications such as orlistat, sucralfate and cholestyramine.

If you take levothyroxine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of the other medications you are taking interact. As always, talk to your doctor before changing your medication regimen. For those who are unable to space out taking levothyroxine as recommended above, it may be recommended to at least try to be consistent in how you take it. That way, you will be sure to at least get a consistent dose whereby your doctor can adjust the dose of your medication reliably.