Best time to take medication: Hello I am... - Thyroid UK

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Best time to take medication

Floydy102 profile image
6 Replies

Hello

I am relatively new to having an under active thyroid and am on Levothyroxine 75mcg. What I would like to know is when is the best time to take the medication.

Thank you in advance

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Floydy102 profile image
Floydy102
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6 Replies
SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Floydy102

Take your Levo on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food, with a glass of water only, no tea, coffee, milk, etc, and water only for an hour either side, as absorption will be affected. Take any other medication and supplements 2 hours away from Levo, some need 4 hours.

Some people take their Levo at bedtime, some take it during the night if they have regular bathroom trips, some take it in the morning when they get up. Experiment to find what suits you best.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Levothyroxine should always be taken on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and more effective taken at bedtime

verywellhealth.com/best-tim...

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet.

All medication at least two hours away from Levo. Some like HRT, PPI's, magnesium, iron or vitamin D, at least four hours away

Lalatoot profile image
Lalatoot

I take my levothyroxine in 2 doses. First dose between 5 and 7 am and the second dose between 4 and 5pm. It suits me and my meal times.

Floydy102 profile image
Floydy102

Hi

Thank you all so much for your answers. That really is a great help. The reason being is that I have a blood pressure tablet also and I take that a couple of hours later and wanted to check if I was doing the correct thing.

crazycatlady100 profile image
crazycatlady100

i have found that in my case, i take meds when i wake up as im keeping busy that way i dont forget as time flys by :)

san_ray70 profile image
san_ray70 in reply to crazycatlady100

For 15yrs since diagnosis I have been taking my meds with my breakfast, none of the advice mentioned an empty stomach. It was not until talking to a friend I found out how she asked her pharmacist. Now I try to remember to take my meds an hour before breakfast.

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