Chloe asked
I know I can't eat food on levothyroxine but was wondering if it was okay with coffee or tea.
Answer
Synthroid (levothyroxine) should not be taken at the same time as coffee or tea. Multiple studies show that coffee and tea can significantly alter absorption levels of Synthroid (levothyroxine), decreasing the effectiveness of the medication and potentially causing therapeutic failure.
Taking Synthroid (levothyroxine) With Coffee Or Tea
Synthroid (levothyroxine) should ideally be dosed first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. For optimal absorption, it should be taken with a full glass of water about 30 to 60 minutes before food and drink, which includes coffee and tea.
Coffee and tea contain compounds that may theoretically bind to Synthroid (levothyroxine) in the GI tract, reducing its absorption. Data from studies show that absorption of the drug is decreased on average by 33% when taken at the same time as coffee or tea.
One study reported the following results when Synthroid was co-administered with coffee:
- Average increase in T4 (levothyroxine) levels in the body after medication administration decreased by 36%
- Peak T4 (levothyroxine) levels in the body after medication administration decreased by 29%
To ensure optimal absorption of Synthroid, it would be prudent to not take the medication with anything but a full glass of water for 30 minutes.
