Coffee has been embraced globally as a popular beverage embraced by cultures all over the world. As with many other foods and drinks, coffee does have potential interactions with prescribed medications, making it important for patients to understand the potential consequences of this interaction. This article will focus on the potential effects of combining coffee and levothyroxine, a commonly prescribed medication used to manage thyroid hormone levels.
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid. Thyroid hormones can influence metabolic rate, heart rate, body temperature, and other processes in the body. According to the Thyroid Foundation of Canada, levothyroxine is often used to treat conditions such as an underactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer. A primary concern of taking levothyroxine is to ensure that the medication is taken as prescribed and without any potential interference from coffee.
Dr. Joseph Lyon, a medical expert in thyroid hormone disorders, explains that there is little to no evidence to suggest that coffee has any direct interactions with levothyroxine. However, smaller amounts of coffee can influence the way the body absorbs certain medications. A study published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences suggests that coffee may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, causing it to be less effective.
Clinical nutritionist Dr. Brooke Kalanick shares her perspectives on the topic, stating that coffee does have potential interactions with medications; however, the risk of potential drug interactions is small. According to Dr. Kalanick, if patients are using coffee in moderation and in combination with levothyroxine, it should not be a concern as long as medications are taken as prescribed. She adds that it is important to monitor your symptoms and speak with a medical professional if any changes in symptoms occur.
Safety Guidelines
When it comes to coffee and medication, moderation is the key. According to the National Institutes of Health, patients should limit the amount of caffeine they consume when taking levothyroxine. Depending on the dosage, patients are advised to limit their caffeine intake to between 200mg and 400mg a day, which is roughly two to three cups of coffee. Additionally, they also advise patients not to take their levothyroxine at the same time as their coffee as this can interfere with the absorption of the medication.
It is also important to note that caffeine can cause the body to produce adrenaline which can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, it is advised that patients monitor their blood pressure and heart rate when consuming coffee and/or levothyroxine. If any changes in these vital signs occur, it is best to speak with your doctor.
Finally, it is important to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle if you are taking any medications. This is especially true when it comes to combining coffee and levothyroxine.
Time of Consumption
The general consensus is that patients should avoid drinking coffee prior to taking their levothyroxine. This is because consuming coffee before taking levothyroxine can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb the medication. It is also important to note that some meals that contain high amounts of iron, calcium, and other minerals can also potentially interfere with levothyroxine absorption and should be avoided.
It is advised that patients wait roughly an hour after taking levothyroxine before consuming coffee. This will help ensure that the medication has been absorbed by the body and will not be affected by the presence of coffee.
Additionally, the American Thyroid Association recommends that patients should separate their levothyroxine and coffee intake by at least four hours. This is to allow for the body to have time to effectively absorb both the coffee and the levothyroxine.
Is it Safe?
Overall, there is little evidence to suggest that coffee and levothyroxine interact in a negative manner. However, it is still recommended that patients exercise caution when taking levothyroxine with other medications and/or foods. Additionally, it is suggested that patients always speak with their doctor before making any alterations to their diet when taking any medication.
Checking for Side Effects
One of the most important things to note when taking medications such as levothyroxine is to monitor for potential side effects. Common side effects of levothyroxine include headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and nausea. If any of these symptoms are experienced while taking levothyroxine and drinking coffee, it is suggested that you speak with a doctor or health care provider in order to check for potential interactions.
Furthermore, if any changes in symptoms occur while consuming caffeine and taking levothyroxine, it is best to speak with a medical professional who can provide guidance as to whether it is safe to continue taking both.
The Bottom Line
The key question when combining levothyroxine and coffee is: Is it safe? The general consensus is that, when done with care and moderation, combining coffee and levothyroxine is likely safe and the risk of potential drug interactions is low. It is important to understand the potential effects of combining medications with foods and drinks such as coffee, and when in doubt, speak with a medical professional. As long as levothyroxine is taken as prescribed and in combination with coffee in moderation, it should not be a concern.
Considering Alternatives
While there is little evidence to suggest that coffee and levothyroxine interact in a negative manner, some patients may still wish to avoid consuming coffee when taking this medication. If this is the case, then there are a few alternatives to consider. One of these is decaffeinated coffee. Decaffeinated coffee has the same flavor and aroma as regular coffee, but with 97-99% of the caffeine content removed.
Additionally, patients may wish to consider switching to herbal or green tea. Both herbal and green tea contain caffeine, but in much smaller doses than regular coffee. Furthermore, they also contain various antioxidants which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Finally, patients can also opt for caffeine-free alternatives such as herbal teas. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and do not contain any of the stimulant compounds found in coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
References and Resources
When it comes to taking medications, understanding the potential side effects, interactions, and effects of combining with other food and drinks is extremely important. For more information and resources regarding coffee and levothyroxine, please refer to the following sources:
- The Thyroid Foundation of Canada: https://www.thyroid.ca/thyroid_disease/levothyroxine/
- International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: https://uad.drugdu.com/uat/doctoreditor/2017/7/17071508071761453.pdf
- Dr. Joseph Lyon: https://www.hypothyroidmom.com/7-myths-and-truths-about-thyroid-medication/
- Dr. Brooke Kalanick: https://drbrookekalanick.com/thyroid-medication-guidelines/
- National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488108/
- American Thyroid Association: https://www.thyroid.org/medications-for-thyroid-disease/
