What blocks absorption of thyroid medication?

Like hormones, minerals like iron and calcium can bind to thyroid hormone and inhibit absorption. A good rule of thumb: “Take your thyroid hormone first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, and take multivitamins and other supplements at lunch, at least 4 hours later,” suggests Levy.


Why am I not absorbing my thyroid medication?

The foods you eat and the timing of your meals can affect how well you absorb your thyroid medication. Some medications and supplements can also interfere with your levothyroxine. Taking your thyroid medication on an empty stomach at the same time everyday can help you get the most out of each dose.

What blocks thyroid medication?

They include synthetic thyroid hormones levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others) and liothyronine (Cytomel), as well as thyroid extract supplements. Calcium supplements — or antacids containing calcium — can interfere with how the body absorbs those medications.


What can decrease levothyroxine absorption?

A number of drugs have been shown to impair the absorption of levothyroxine; these drugs include calcium carbonate, aluminum- containing antacids, sucralfate, iron supplements, cholestyramine, sevelamer, and, possibly, ciprofloxacin, raloxifene, and orlistat.

What stops levothyroxine from working?

Food and caffeinated drinks can both stop your body taking in levothyroxine properly so it does not work as well. If you stop taking levothyroxine, your symptoms are likely to come back.


These Supplements Block Thyroid Medication Absorption



How can I increase my thyroid medication absorption?

For best absorption into your bloodstream, levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast, or three or more hours after dinner.

Can levothyroxine become ineffective?

Summary: Most frequently, reasons for ineffectiveness are noncompliance, inappropriate administration of levothyroxine, gastrointestinal disorders, and drug interactions. The diagnostic work-up should include careful history to elucidate the potential reasons for the ineffective therapy.

What foods block levothyroxine?

What foods should not be taken with levothyroxine?
  • Soybean flour.
  • Soy.
  • Walnuts.
  • Dietary fiber.
  • Cottonseed meal.
  • Espresso coffee.
  • Grapefruit.


Does caffeine block levothyroxine?

Although current product labels and treatment guidelines recommend that patients take thyroid hormone replacement therapy on an empty stomach, new research suggests drinking coffee does not affect the absorption of a liquid formulation of levothyroxine (LT4).

What foods and supplements interfere with thyroid medication?

Eating certain foods too close to your daily dosage can interfere with how the medication works, including:
  • Soy-based foods or flours, like edamame, tofu, or miso.
  • Cottonseed meal.
  • Grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
  • Walnuts.
  • High-calcium foods, like milk, yogurt, or cheese.
  • High-fiber foods, like broccoli, cabbage, or kale.


What vitamins should not be taken with levothyroxine?

As mentioned above, levothyroxine should not be taken within 4 hours of medications and supplements like antacids, bile acid sequestrants, ion exchange resins, iron supplements, or calcium.


Why can't you take thyroid medicine at night?

There is consensus that levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. A pilot study showed that levothyroxine intake at bedtime significantly decreased thyrotropin levels and increased free thyroxine and total triiodothyronine levels.

Can you become resistant to thyroid medication?

Resistance to thyroid hormone is rare, affecting around 1 in every 40,000–50,000 people.

What drinks interfere with levothyroxine?

Caffeine in coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages decreases the absorption of levothyroxine by causing the drug to move too quickly through the intestines before it has the chance to be absorbed.


Is it better to take levothyroxine in the morning or at night?

Background: Levothyroxine sodium is widely prescribed to treat primary hypothyroidism. There is consensus that levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.

What foods should hypothyroidism patients avoid?

In general, it's best to avoid the following:
  • Soy. Studies suggest that phytoestrogens in soybeans and soy-rich foods may inhibit the activity of an enzyme that makes thyroid hormones. ...
  • Iodine-rich foods.
  • Iron and calcium supplements. ...
  • High-fiber foods. ...
  • Certain vegetables.


What foods make Synthroid less effective?

Foods containing soy and cottonseed meal can make Synthroid less effective. Walnuts, grapefruit juice, and dietary fiber can also make Synthroid less effective. If you eat any of these on a regular basis, check with your doctor. He or she may need to adjust your dose of Synthroid.


Why am I still tired after taking levothyroxine?

Extreme tiredness is a commonly reported side effect of Levothyroxine. Many people begin treatment but feel no better after starting medication, which may be because they are experiencing this effect. You feel more tired while taking Levothyroxine because the hormones in your body have been effectively reduced.

How do you know if your thyroid medication isn't working?

Signs and symptoms that your medication for overactive thyroid isn't working may include rapid or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, increased appetite, unintentional weight loss, thin skin, brittle or fine hair, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, tremors (shaking or trembling of the hands or ...

Is Synthroid better than levothyroxine?

As previously mentioned, one version isn't technically better than the other. Both generic levothyroxine and Synthroid should work equally well for the treatment of hypothyroidism. It's just not ideal to switch back and forth between different products, unless you're directed to do so.


Does vitamin D interfere with levothyroxine?

No interactions were found between levothyroxine and Vitamin D3.

What is Refetoff syndrome?

Description. Refetoff Syndrome: Thyroid hormone resistance is a rare syndrome in which thyroid hormone levels are elevated but the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level is not suppressed (or not completely suppressed as would be expected).

What to do if Synthroid doesn't work?

Your doctor may only be aware of Synthroid and levothyroxine but there are at least 10+ other thyroid medications to choose from. So if you find that Synthroid isn't working for you then you can simply switch to another brand or type of thyroid medication and it may actually help you feel better.


How long after eating can I take levothyroxine at night?

However, the American Thyroid Association recommends that, if possible, levothyroxine be consistently taken either 60 minutes before breakfast or at bedtime (3 or more hours after the evening meal), for optimal, consistent absorption.

Can I take thyroid medication 3 hours after eating?

Taking your thyroid hormone at night is a fine option, but remember that it should be taken on an empty stomach and at least 3-4 hours after eating.