Echinacea - Synthroid (Levothyroxine) Interaction
Herbal: Echinacea
Also Known As: American Cone Flower, Black Sampson, Black Susans, Comb Flower, Coneflower, Echinaceawurzel, Hedgehog, Igelkopfwurzel, Indian Head, Kansas Snakeroot
Drug: Levothyroxine
Brand names:
Euthyrox, Levothroid, Unithroid, Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levo-T, Eltroxin, Estre, Levothyroxine, Novothyrox, Levolet
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Levothyroxine and Echinacea. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Pharmacist Analysis
It is unlikely for echinacea to affect the metabolism of levothyroxine due to the way the drug is metabolized in the body. Levothyroxine is primarily metabolized in the liver through a process known as deiodination and partially by certain enzymes (e.g., UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs)).
The activity of these enzymes is not significantly affected by echinacea, and therefore, the metabolism of levothyroxine is unlikely to be altered.
However, it is still recommended to separate the administration of echinacea and levothyroxine to avoid any potential absorption issues.
Levothyroxine should ideally be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before food or other medications.
If a medication is known to decrease levothyroxine absorption, such as magnesium, levothyroxine should be administered at least 4 hours before to avoid decreases in drug absorption.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDEchinacea Overview
Echinacea is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family and is native to cental and eastern North America. It is known for its purple, cone-shaped flowers. In traditional medicine, echinacea has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. It is believed to work by stimulating the immune system and helping the body to fight off infection. Some studies have suggested that echinacea may be effective at reducing the severity and duration of colds and other respiratory infections, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Levothyroxine Overview
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Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism (condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone). It is also used with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy to treat thyroid cancer. Levothyroxine is in a class of medications called hormones. It works by replacing thyroid hormone that is normally produced by the body.
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Without thyroid hormone, your body cannot function properly, which may result in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, excessive tiredness, constipation, weight gain, hair loss, dry, thick skin, increased sensitivity to cold, joint and muscle pain, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and depression. When taken correctly, levothyroxine reverses these symptoms.
Echinacea - More Interactions
Echinacea interacts with 768 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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