How long after taking levothyroxine can you drink milk?
You should avoid drinking milk until at least 4 hours after taking levothyroxine. Dairy products—including milk, cheese and yogurt—contain high calcium levels, which affect how levothyroxine is absorbed into your body.
Drinking milk or eating other calcium-rich foods less than 4 hours before or after taking levothyroxine can reduce the absorption of the drug, lowering its efficacy. Other calcium-rich foods include broccoli, kale, okra and anything containing calcium-fortified flour.
In general, patients are advised to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach and not eat for at least 30-60 minutes after taking it.
References
- National Health Service (NHS). Levothyroxine. Last reviewed October 23, 2018. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/levothyroxine/. [Accessed August 27, 2021].
- Chon DA, Reisman T, Weinreb JE, Hershman JM, Leung AM. Concurrent Milk Ingestion Decreases Absorption of Levothyroxine. Thyroid. 2018;28(4):454-457. doi: 10.1089/thy.2017.0428.
Read next
Related medical questions
- Does levothyroxine cause hair loss?
- How long does levothyroxine stay in your system?
- How soon after taking levothyroxine can I take omeprazole?
- What is the difference between Levoxyl and Synthroid?
- What happens if you stop taking levothyroxine?
- What is the difference between Unithroid and Synthroid?
- Can you take thyroid supplements with levothyroxine?
- Can Euthyrox cause weight loss?
- Can Tirosint cause weight gain or loss?
- Who makes Euthyrox and where is it manufactured?
- How long does Tirosint stay in your system?
- Is Tirosint gluten-free?
- Can I lie down after I take levothyroxine?
- Effect of not taking medicine after thyroid removal?
- How do I treat Hypothyroidism?
Drug information
- Levothyroxine Information for Consumers
- Levothyroxine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Levothyroxine (detailed)
Related support groups
- Levothyroxine (153 questions, 595 members)
