If you have thyroid, the right timing and method of taking your medication are crucial for its good absorption and effectiveness. Regardless whether you are treating hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, consumption of your prescribed medication as intended not only ensures that the drug works is it should but also manages your symptoms, limiting the risk of potentially harmful side-effects.
The first step in the process is to make sure you have the right prescription and appropriate dosage. Double-check your medication. Try to read the label and understand the type of medicine or pills they are. The most common types of treatment or medicines used for hyper and hypothyroidism include anti-thyroid medications, nuclear medicines/radioactive iodine (therapy), and levothyroxine (manufactured/synthetic form of thyroxine). Make sure you have the right prescribed drug according to your condition.
Consistency is key when it comes to keeping track of your thyroid pills. Dealing with an underactive thyroid gland expects you take medication every single day at the same time. The goal is to prevent the thyroid levels from fluctuating too much or too often and control symptoms. Missing a dose or a day can alter how you feel.
Daytime & Night-time Routine
Thyroid experts recommend consuming your thyroid hormone substitute medication (levothyroxine) for hypothyroidism first thing in the morning, empty stomach with only water and keep an interval of at least an hour before eating breakfast or drinking your morning coffee. Similarly, it is recommended to wait at least 3-4 hours between the medication and other medicine or supplement. There are also guidelines you can follow during the night-time. Patients with a normal, consistent sleep routine and not on other medications or similar drugs may consider making the morning to night switch. However, consult your doctor before you make any chops and changes in the timing of when you take your medication. During the night, it is recommended to take an interval of 3-4 hours after your dinner to take your night pill. Taking your prescription during the night also aids in avoiding compounds that could interfere with the working of the thyroid drug, making its absorption easier.
If incase you forget or skip a dose, do not double up the dosage at the next turn. This can result in an overdose, like nausea, vomiting, etc.
Food & Other Drugs Interaction
There’s a little catch when it comes to the combination of food compounds and other medications or supplements with your thyroid drugs, even after the safe respective interval. According to a research at the UCLA medical school, calcium-rich foods and the presence of protein in the milk might hinder with the proper and complete absorption of the medicine. They advise consuming any dairy product as far apart from the medication as possible. “This will help ensure that thyroid blood tests remain constant, thus decreasing the need for unnecessary changes in the dose to manage your hypothyroidism”, says one of the researchers. Likewise, experts advise to avoid taking other medication or supplements with your ongoing course. Check with your doctor before putting yourself on a new drug that could possibly interfere with thyroid hormone medications.
Some common drug that interact with levothyroxine include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), diabetes medications, birth control pills, and antidepressants like Elvail, and Norpramin. On the other hand, supplements to avoid include calcium, iron, biotin, and Vitamin C.
In the end, to maximize the full benefits of thyroid medications, it is important to take mindful steps towards choosing the right treatment or medications. And make all the changes, if required, as per the consultation of your doctor.
To Read More Health Blogs.
