How long after eating can you take Synthroid? (3+ risks)

In this article, we will answer the question, “How long after eating can you take Synthroid?”. We will discuss the risks of taking Synthroid immediately after eating and some important instructions that should be followed when taking Synthroid.

How long after eating can you take Synthroid?

You can take Synthroid several hours after food. This is to avoid erratic absorption of the medication. Synthroid is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach or almost half to one hour before a meal.

Preferably, Synthroid (also known as Levothyroxine) is taken before breakfast for the maximum benefits of the replacement therapy. Levothyroxine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach.

Synthroid consists of levothyroxine sodium and is approved by the FDA for use as replacement therapy in primary, secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism and as an adjunct to surgery in thyrotropin-dependent thyroid cancer (1,2).

Why should you wait before taking Synthroid after a meal?

You should wait several hours after eating to take Synthroid. It is better to take this medication on an empty stomach or wait for 3-4 hours after eating.

The several-hour time frame is recommended so that your food can be digested and does not cause hindrance in the intestinal absorption of Synthroid. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure enough absorption of Synthroid to cause an effective response.

Medications and supplements prescribed with Synthroid should also be treated the same way. A time spacing between Synthroid and any other medication should be provided to improve the efficacy of Synthroid.

Iron and calcium-containing compounds should be taken with a time space of 4 hours. Medications like phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital can increase the elimination of Synthroid and thus should be avoided in the same time frame as Synthroid.

What are the risks of taking Synthroid immediately after eating?

Ingesting Synthroid immediately after a meal can cause problems with the medication’s efficacy. The risks of taking Synthroid too soon after eating are as follows:

What tips should be followed while taking Synthroid?

The following instructions should be followed while taking Synthroid:

Time: You should take Synthroid once daily, preferably half to one hour before breakfast.

Dosage: Make sure to take the exact amount of dose prescribed. Overdosing or double-dosing can cause side effects. Do not crush or break the medicine as it can cause dose variation.

Consistency: Take Synthroid at the same time each day. Do not switch the dosing time from morning to nighttime.

Follow-ups: Do not miss any follow-up appointments. Attend regular follow-ups to effectively manage your condition.

Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you take to avoid interactions. Also, avoid medications and food that might interact with the efficacy of Synthroid.

Empty stomach: Avoid eating and drinking anything before taking Synthroid. This will help with the better absorption of the medication.

Storage: Store the medication in a cool and dry place. Keep the medication out of reach of children. Always discard expired medication to avoid side effects.

Consultation: If you have any concerns regarding your medication and experience side effects, you should immediately consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Ensuring optimal absorption of Synthroid

In my opinion and to the best of my knowledge as a pharmacist, you should take Synthroid on an empty stomach for maximum benefits of the medication. However, if you have eaten something it is better to wait for almost 3-4 hours before taking your Synthroid dose. This duration gives an optimum timespan for food to be digested.

Taking Synthroid after meals can decrease the absorption and efficacy of the medication. It can also cause fluctuations in the levels of the thyroid hormone. It is advised to follow proper instructions while taking Synthroid and immediately contact your healthcare provider in case of any side effects.

References