Camilla Jessen
Why your morning coffee could affect your medication.
Coffee is a daily staple for millions, but experts say it can interfere with certain medications in ways many people don’t realize.
A pharmacist warns that caffeine can affect how drugs are absorbed and processed, making some treatments less effective or increasing side effects.
According to pharmacist Jennifer Bourgeois, coffee can change how medications are absorbed, metabolized and eliminated.
It may speed up digestion or compete with liver enzymes, altering drug levels in the body.
That’s why timing your coffee intake can matter.
Antidepressants risk
Some antidepressants may not work as intended if taken with coffee.
Caffeine can reduce absorption of drugs like escitalopram, while others may stay longer in the bloodstream, increasing side effects like restlessness.
Thyroid medication
Coffee can significantly reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, a common thyroid treatment.
Experts say this could lead to ongoing symptoms like fatigue if not timed correctly.
Patients are often advised to wait 30 to 60 minutes before drinking coffee.
Osteoporosis drugs
Medications such as alendronate and risedronate should not be taken with coffee.
Experts recommend taking them only with plain water to ensure proper absorption.
Cold and allergy meds
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can act as stimulants.
When combined with caffeine, they may increase jitteriness and restlessness, and in some cases affect blood sugar levels.
Experts say you don’t need to give up coffee entirely.
Instead, spacing out when you take medications and when you drink coffee can help avoid unwanted effects.
Sources: BioMed, MedlinePlus
