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Is It Better Not To Take Thyroid Medicines With Other Drugs?
Posted on
Thu, 8 Oct 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 8 Oct 2015
Answered on
Mon, 26 Oct 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : What is the reasoning for taking thyroid medicines(levothyroxin) on an empty stomach and waiting four hours before taking any other medicines?
Brief Answer:
60 minutes
Detailed Answer:
You do not have to wait for hours. Sixty minutes suffices.
This is because the absorption of XXXXXXX thyroxine is reduced by the presence of food and other medications,particularly calcium and iron. As a result, the blood levels of XXXXXXX thyroxine would go lower than intended. This will end up in under-dosing of the medication which will cause symptoms of 'hypothyroidism' to occur.
The goal is to ensure consistent medicine delivery so that steady state blood levels are maintained
60 minutes
Detailed Answer:
You do not have to wait for hours. Sixty minutes suffices.
This is because the absorption of XXXXXXX thyroxine is reduced by the presence of food and other medications,particularly calcium and iron. As a result, the blood levels of XXXXXXX thyroxine would go lower than intended. This will end up in under-dosing of the medication which will cause symptoms of 'hypothyroidism' to occur.
The goal is to ensure consistent medicine delivery so that steady state blood levels are maintained
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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