Can You Drink Tea With Levothyroxine?

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to drink tea while taking levothyroxine.

Question

I'm taking levothyroxine 25mcg. I have a little sore throat. Is it safe to drink a herbal tea called Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat? It has licorice root, slippery elm bark, marshmallow, wild cherry bark, and cinnamon bark. Is it safe?

Asked by Missy On Sep 19, 2022

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Sep 19, 2022
Last updated Mar 28, 2024

Key points

  • Levothyroxine should be separated from tea (and other food and drink aside from water) to ensure optimal absorption of the drug.
  • Levothyroxine should be taken at least 30 minutes before drinking tea or at least 4 hours after drinking tea to avoid an interaction.

Answer

It is not recommended to drink tea at the same time as taking levothyroxine (brand name Synthroid).

Multiple studies show that tea (and other drinks such as coffee) can significantly alter the absorption levels of levothyroxine. This could potentially decrease the effectiveness of the medication and potentially cause therapeutic failure and symptoms of hypothyroidism, which include:

  • Dry skin
  • Lethargy
  • Feeling of cold
  • Hair loss

One study noted that absorption of levothyroxine is decreased on average by 33% when taken at the same time as coffee or tea.

According to the prescribing information for Synthroid, it should be taken as followed:

"Administer Synthroid [levothyroxine] as a single daily dose, on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast."

All levothyroxine products should be taken with a full glass of water and you should not lie down for 30 minutes after taking your dose, to prevent irritation to the esophagus.

If you wish to drink the tea, be sure to either:

  • Take levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before drinking the tea
  • Take levothyroxine at least 4 hours after drinking the tea

Final Words

Thanks so much for reaching out to us! Please feel free to do so again in the future!

References

  • Guidelines for the treatment of hypothyroidism: prepared by the american thyroid association task force on thyroid hormone replacement, PubMed
  • Synthroid Prescribing Information, AccessFDA

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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