Thyroid medications—Levothyroxine (Synthroid®), Liothyronine (Cytomel®), Armour®, and other desiccated thyroid, replace or supplement the thyroid hormones your body needs for healthy metabolism, energy, and mood. These medications must be absorbed through the stomach and intestines, and this absorption can easily be affected by food, supplements, and other medicines.

How and When to Take It

• Take your thyroid pill first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.

• Wait 30–60 minutes before eating or drinking anything, including coffee.

• Try to take it at the same time every day.

• If you forget a dose, take it later the same day, don’t double up tomorrow.

Tip: You can take it at bedtime instead, if it’s been at least 3 hours since your last meal and you take it consistently that way.

Calcium and Other Supplements

Calcium can block absorption of thyroid hormone if taken too close together.

• Supplements (like calcium tablets, antacids, or multivitamins with calcium or iron) contain large doses of calcium that stay in the stomach for hours. Keep these at least 4 hours apart from your thyroid pill.

• Calcium in food (like milk, yogurt, or cheese) is much smaller in amount and mixed with other foods, so it’s less likely to interfere. Wait about 1 hour after your thyroid pill before eating regular meals or calcium-rich foods.

Medications That Can Affect Absorption

Separate your thyroid dose from:

• Iron or prenatal vitamins

• Antacids or acid reducers (Prilosec®, Nexium®, Pepcid®)

• Cholesterol binders (Cholestyramine, Colesevelam)

• Fiberpowders or laxatives (psyllium, magnesium, fiber supplements)

• Soy products or high-fiber shakes taken at the same time

Key Takeaways

*Take your thyroid medication on an empty stomach with water

*Wait 30–60 minutes before eating or drinking.

*Keep calcium, iron, and supplements 4 hours apart.

* Be consistent — same time, same way, every day.