Can I take Levothyroxine and Calcium together?

Varför detta händer

Calcium binds to the levothyroxine in your stomach, creating a large 'clump' that is too big for your body to absorb into the bloodstream. This means the medicine passes through your system without being used.

You should separate these two by at least 4 hours. It is usually best to take your levothyroxine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and wait until lunch or dinner to take any calcium supplements or eat large amounts of dairy.

Drug-drug interaction

You must take levothyroxine and calcium at least 4 hours apart. Calcium supplements significantly reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, which can make your thyroid treatment ineffective.

Heart conditions (e.g. angina, heart failure)

If you have a heart condition, your dose must be started very low and increased slowly. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or palpitations, as levothyroxine increases the workload on your heart.

Interaction with supplements (Calcium/Iron)

Do not take calcium tablets, iron supplements, or multivitamins at the same time as levothyroxine. You must leave a gap of at least 4 hours between these supplements and your levothyroxine to ensure the medicine works.

Diabetes

Levothyroxine can raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you must monitor your blood glucose more closely when starting or changing your dose, as your diabetes medication may need to be increased.

Alkohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking levothyroxine. While there is no direct chemical reaction, alcohol can affect thyroid function and may worsen symptoms like tiredness or mood changes.

Timing of dose and food/drink

Take your levothyroxine on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast or any caffeine. Food, milk, and coffee prevent the medicine from being absorbed properly.

Caffeine (Coffee/Tea)

Caffeine can significantly reduce the amount of levothyroxine your body absorbs. You should wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking your tablet before drinking coffee or tea.

Dairy products (Milk, Yoghurt, Cheese)

Avoid consuming dairy products at the same time as your levothyroxine. Calcium found in dairy can interfere with how your body absorbs the medicine, making it less effective. It is best to wait at least 4 hours between taking levothyroxine and consuming dairy.

Soya products

Soya can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. If you regularly eat or drink soya products, your doctor may need to monitor your thyroid levels more closely. Avoid consuming soya at the same time as your dose.

Kelp and Seaweed

These foods are naturally high in iodine. Too much iodine can interfere with your thyroid treatment and make your condition worse.

High-fibre foods

A diet very high in fibre can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. If you significantly change your fibre intake, inform your doctor as your dose may need adjusting.

Spinach, Rhubarb, and Beetroot (Oxalates)

These foods are high in oxalic acid, which can bind to calcium and prevent it from being absorbed. Avoid eating large amounts of these foods at the same time as taking your calcium supplement.

Whole-grain cereals (Phytic acid)

Foods high in phytic acid, such as 100% wheat bran or whole grains, can reduce the absorption of calcium if eaten at the same time.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Interaktionskontroll för läkemedel helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Ansvarsfriskrivning

Denna information är endast avsedd för allmän utbildning och bör inte användas som en ersättning för professionell medicinsk rådgivning. Rådfråga alltid din läkare, apotekare eller annan kvalificerad vårdpersonal innan du fattar beslut om dina mediciner. Individuella omständigheter kan variera, och endast en vårdpersonal som känner till din medicinska historia kan ge personlig vägledning.