Providence asked
How do I properly take levothyroxine? If a person has slow digestion, and takes levothyroxine, is it OK to take it only 2 hrs. after dinner? Is It better to take it in the morning? Also, is it OK to take levothyroxine with coffee or Tums antacids?
Answer
Levothyroxine is one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States for hypothyroidism. Patients are often told by their health care provider that the medication must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and not to eat or drink anything besides water for at least 30 to 60 minutes.
Why To Take Levothyroxine In The Morning
The reason for this recommendation is well founded. Studies have shown that when administered with food, the amount of the drug absorbed is significantly less than if it were taken on an empty stomach. Any change in the dose your body absorbs can have a significant impact on your treatment since the dosage of levothyroxine is an incredibly small amount! The drug dosage is measured in micrograms, not milligrams as with most drugs. One of the most common dosages of levothyroxine is 100 micrograms, which is equivalent to 0.1 milligrams. With dosages this small, it is very important to keep your dose as consistent as possible since small change can have a big impact!
In terms of when and how to take the medication, it is true that taking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is most likely the best way to keep yourself on schedule and to keep the dosage your body absorbs consistent. However, if this timing doesn't work for you, that is OK! The most important aspect of taking this medication is consistency.
Taking Levothyroxine At Night?
If it’s easier and more convenient for you to take levothyroxine at bedtime, that will work perfectly fine. Ideally, just make sure that you wait around three to four hours after your dinner meal to ensure you will have an empty stomach.
Always remember that the most important thing is to take the medication the same way every single day to ensure consistent dosing. If and when your prescriber needs to adjust your dose, be sure not to change how you have been taking it.
In terms of taking coffee or Tums at the same time, we recommend taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach and only a glass of water. Especially in the case of Tums, which contains high levels of calcium, that may significantly affect how much levothyroxine is absorbed and we absolutely recommend separating that by at least 4 hours.
