Cee asked
I take Synthroid and Nexium. I am aware that both must be taken on an empty stomach, before breakfast and Synthroid must be taken alone. My routine is to Take Synthroid as soon as I wake, wait one hour, and then take the Nexium. I then wait another hour before eating. Is this Ok? I want to get the full benefit of both medications. Because I have just been diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus, I will be taking Nexiumlong term. I cant take the Synthroid at night, because that is when I take Calcium.
Answer
It can often be difficult to plan appropriate administration times for medications that require specific dosing times to be effective. This is certainly the case for Synthroid (levothyroxine) and Nexium (esomeprazole). Per your question, it appears as though you are taking the medications at the best times for maximum effectiveness.
Taking Synthroid With Nexium
Synthroid (levothyroxine), a thyroid replacement medication should generally be taken as follows:
- Take your dose of Synthroid first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water. Do not eat or drink (except for water) for 30 minutes.
Nexium (esomeprazole) is PPI (proton pump inhibitor) medication that blocks the production of stomach acid. It should taken as follows:
- Take your dose of Nexium 60 minutes before food, preferably breakfast. This allows time for the drug to be absorbed in the body and ready to work when acid production starts in response to food intake.
One example is below in regard to how Synthroid can be taken with Nexium effectively:
- Take Synthroid first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before taking Nexium.
- Wait 60 minutes before consuming food.
The above example would allow you to get full benefit from both medications.
