Grapefruit juice may alter the effects of certain drugs, although Levoxyl is not one of these. Before taking Levoxyl, talk to your doctor about any vitamins, minerals, herbs and other supplements or substances you usually consume. Drug interactions don't just include medications that react with each other. Drug interactions can occur when combining medications with certain vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements and minerals, as well as some types of foods and beverages.
Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice may interact with many medications, such as calcium channel blockers, statins, immunosuppressants and benzodiazepines, as well as certain psychiatric medications, according to the Harvard Medical School's Family Health Guide online. The guide does not include Levoxyl in the list of drugs that grapefruit juice may influence. Although the specific chemical responsible for the interaction is unknown, the chemical furanocoumarin seems most likely to be the culprit. This chemical in grapefruit juice tends to block an enzyme in your body that reduces the absorption of some types of medicine, leading to potentially high levels of the medication in your bloodstream.
Levoxyl
A healthy thyroid gland produces adequate amounts of a natural form of thyroid hormone that serves to regulate your metabolism and energy production. Levoxyl is a type of hormone replacement medication that your doctor may prescribe to treat hypothyroidism or prevent goiter. Certain medicines, such as calcium carbonate, antidepressants, lithium, iron supplements and cholesterol-lowering drugs, can alter the effectiveness of Levoxyl. Drugs.com warns against taking Levoxyl with certain foods that can decrease absorption of the medicine. These foods include walnuts, cottonseed meal and high-fiber foods.
Side Effects
Although grapefruit juice may not be a major concern for patients taking Levoxyl, certain side effects may occur while taking this medication, especially if you take more than necessary. Potential side effects include appetite changes, headache, insomnia and irritability. Inform your doctor of any uncomfortable or unusual side effects.
Precautions
Even though grapefruit juice is unlikely to cause thyroid toxicity when taking Levoxyl, you should not use the juice to help you swallow the medication. The proper way to consume this medicine is on an empty stomach, taking it with an 8-oz. glass of water, according to Drugs.com. This medicine dissolves very quickly and may cause choking or gagging. Like all prescription medicines, follow your doctor and pharmacist's instructions when taking Levoxyl.
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