{"id":38218,"date":"2021-08-11T09:30:04","date_gmt":"2021-08-11T13:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=38218"},"modified":"2025-10-17T11:29:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T15:29:12","slug":"synthroid-and-coffee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/synthroid-and-coffee\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to mix Synthroid and coffee?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Synthroid (levothyroxine)<\/span><\/a> is a drug commonly prescribed to treat <\/span>hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a>, certain types of goiters, or thyroid cancer. It replaces thyroid hormone that your body is meant to produce on its own\u2014but doesn\u2019t due to disease. This medication can help you stay healthy when this small, butterfly-shaped gland malfunctions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thyroid medications work best when you take them on an empty stomach\u2014for at least <\/span>30 to 60 minutes<\/span><\/a>. That\u2019s the main reason why many people take this prescription first thing in the morning. However, there\u2019s another substance many people use just after waking up: coffee. Is it safe to mix Synthroid and caffeine?<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Get Synthroid coupons<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Get levothyroxine coupons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Is it safe to take Synthroid and coffee together?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Synthroid is best taken with a full 8-ounce glass of water. Otherwise, the medication could dissolve quickly and <\/span>swell<\/span><\/a> in your throat. Chasing your pill with a cup of coffee instead can mean that your body doesn\u2019t absorb the medication properly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>This effect does not last long, but can lead to undertreatment of your thyroid condition,\u201d says<\/span> Nisha Jayani, MD<\/span><\/a>, board-certified endocrinologist with Paloma Health in Arizona.<\/span> Meaning, you\u2019re not getting enough of the prescription to alleviate your symptoms. You may not feel well, or experience fatigue, mood issues, and other side effects of an underactive thyroid.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, you won\u2019t have to wait too long for your morning caffeine fix. \u201cYou can drink coffee an hour after taking levothyroxine,\u201d says <\/span>Anthony Puopolo<\/span>, MD, chief medical officer at LifeMD<\/span>. So, take your pill when you wake up and set a timer for 60 minutes before diving into the coffee pot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What other foods should you avoid when taking Synthroid?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even if you\u2019re not a coffee drinker, there are certain things that can affect how well Synthroid works. According to DailyMed, the following foods can make it harder for your body to absorb Synthroid:<\/span><\/p>\n