Doctors warn not to drink coffee with any medications and not even drink it immediately after taking them. Especially in people with hypothyroidism, problems can arise. Experts note that drinking coffee too quickly can reduce the effectiveness of drugs.
Most patients who are being treated for hypothyroidism know that when taking thyroid hormones, it is necessary to wait at least 45-60 minutes between taking the drug and breakfast. However, it is often forgotten that the recommendations also apply to coffee, remind endocrinologists.
Coffee consumption reduces the effectiveness of therapy
Drinking coffee too quickly after taking medications can reduce their effectiveness. Thus, the daily habit of drinking coffee after taking medication may affect the effectiveness of treatment.
Drinking coffee too soon after taking the drug significantly reduces the effectiveness of replacement therapy for hypothyroidism - this is due to the sequestration of the active substance, i.e. levothyroxine (LT4). As a result, the absorption of the hormone is disturbed by several tens of percent, and its peak action is delayed, explains endocrinologist Shimon Suvala, cited by Rynek Zdrowie.
The type of coffee you drink matters
It turns out that other drinks also affect the absorption of drugs, including milk, which is often added to coffee. The addition of milk is a factor that further disrupts the absorption of l.evothyroxine LT4. The lime contained in milk is responsible for this. Calcium salts are also present in milk drinks such as oat, soy, coconut, rice or almond. So think about when you reach for a delicious cappuccino or latte.
When is it safe to drink coffee after taking medication?
Experts note that it is safe to drink a cup of coffee within half an hour after taking the medicine. But more and more often there are recommendations to wait even 2-3 hours with taking hormones.
“Given that LT4 absorption is very often prolonged (there are studies showing that up to 82% of LT4 is absorbed within 3 hours of taking it), there is increasing mention of the need to delay drinking small amounts of black or other coffee for 2-3 hours. after taking it. take a pill with a hormone, “- points out the endocrinologist Shimon Suvala.
Source: Wprost
