Some Medicines Should Not Be Taken with Coffee

If you start your day with coffee alongside your thyroid or allergy medications, it might be time to rethink that routine. Several common medications interact with coffee, affecting their effectiveness or how well your body absorbs them. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your medications work as intended.

Thyroid Medication

Levothyroxine, a medication used to treat hypothyroidism, is one of the drugs you should not take with coffee. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, and Levothyroxine helps balance those hormones. Studies have shown that the absorption of this thyroid medication can decrease by 30% to 55% when taken with coffee. This means that if you drink coffee with your Levothyroxine, your body might not absorb enough of the medication, making it less effective.

Osteoporosis Medication

Osteoporosis medications, which help strengthen bones, should also not be taken with coffee. To maintain their effectiveness, it’s best to take them with water. Coffee can interfere with the effectiveness of these medications, so sticking to water ensures you get the full benefit of your osteoporosis treatment.

Medications for Depression and Mood Disorders

Some medications for depression and mood disorders are also affected by coffee. Drugs like fluvoxamine, amitriptyline, escitalopram, and imipramine are metabolized differently when taken with coffee. This can mean your body doesn’t use these medications as effectively, which could impact how well they manage your symptoms.

Blood Pressure Medication

If you are taking felodipine, a medication for high blood pressure, you should also avoid coffee. According to Medical News Today, caffeine can block the positive effects of felodipine. This means drinking coffee can counteract the medication’s ability to lower your blood pressure, making it harder to control.

Diabetes Medication

Coffee can also pose a challenge for those managing diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) found that caffeine can make it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels. In a study by the ADA, caffeine was shown to increase both glucose and insulin levels. This means that drinking coffee can make it harder to keep your blood sugar stable, which is crucial for managing diabetes.

What You Can Do

To ensure your medications work effectively, it is a good idea to take them with water instead of coffee. If you love your morning coffee, try to schedule your medication at a different time, such as before bed or an hour after having coffee. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your medications and their interactions with coffee or other foods and drinks.

Being mindful of how coffee affects your medications can help you stay healthier and ensure your treatments work as they should. So, the next time you reach for that coffee cup, remember these tips and take your medications with water for the best results.