HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinedrug interactionsKindly suggest me appropriate regime for multiple medications I am taking.

What factors should be taken into account when using multiple medications?

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Published At March 3, 2024
Reviewed AtMarch 3, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am currently taking various medications and supplements and would like to check for any interactions and spacing recommendations. I take Levothyroxine 50 mcg first thing in the morning, followed by breakfast and subsequent intake of Metronidazole, Doxycycline, and Hydroxychloroquine. Are these medicines safe to be taken together, and are there any interactions between hydroxychloroquine and these antibiotics? I then take a prenatal vitamin, vitamin D3, vitamin E, omega-3, vitamin C, Lactoferrin, and Ubiquinone enzyme. Are these supplements compatible with the medication? While I am aware that Doxycycline should not be taken with iron, calcium, or zinc, are the others acceptable? I plan to adjust the timing of Doxycycline to take it before breakfast to avoid interference with the prenatal vitamin. How soon after taking Thyroxine can I take antibiotics, and is there a recommended time gap? Kindly advice.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

I suggest you follow the below-mentioned instructions:

  1. In the morning, begin by taking your thyroid medicine on an empty stomach.
  2. Allow 45 minutes to pass before taking doxycycline.
  3. Subsequently, wait an additional 30 minutes before having breakfast.
  4. Following your morning meal, wait for 20 minutes before taking Metronidazole and Hydroxychloroquine. Do not take any more medicine after this point. When it is time for lunch, proceed without medication.
  5. After lunch, wait for 30 to 40 minutes before taking other vitamins, iron, and antioxidant tablets.
  6. The specific timing of breakfast and lunch would depend on when you initiate your day and take your thyroid medicine. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

    Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you for the reply doctor,

I usually have breakfast around eight in the morning and lunch around one o'clock in the afternoon. Is it okay to take the other vitamins with breakfast, or should I take the multivitamin some time after the morning meal? Typically, I am not at home during lunch. Kindly suggest.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

You are taking quite a few medications in the morning. Consider taking the multivitamin, iron, and antioxidants at night, approximately 30 to 40 minutes after dinner. What time do you usually have dinner? Are there any other medications you take during dinner? Alternatively, you can take Metronidazole and Hydroxychloroquine after dinner. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thanks for the reply doctor,

I take Doxycycline and Hydroxychloroquine twice a day, and Metronidazole three times a day. Additionally, I need to take vitamins due to deficiencies. I prefer taking them in the morning to avoid impacting my sleep. Could you please clarify why I need to wait 30 to 40 minutes after food to take supplements? The instructions advise taking them with food. My doctor mentioned that Hydroxychloroquine can be taken with vitamins. I was under the impression that the only potential interaction was between Doxycycline and iron, calcium, and zinc, which are included in my multivitamin. Therefore, I thought that by taking Doxycycline earlier, waiting for two hours, and then having my breakfast, all my vitamins and Hydroxychloroquine would be okay. Could you provide some clarification on this?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

During or immediately after food, gastric emptying is more rapid, and peristalsis is increased. Consequently, the drug may not have sufficient time for absorption. Therefore, it is advisable to wait for 30 minutes after food before taking a multivitamin. Yes, you can take Doxycycline earlier in the morning. It is permissible to take vitamins and Hydroxychloroquine together. I also wanted to know, for how long have you been taking so many medications? Have you experienced any gastric side effects or changes in taste? Kindly follow up with required information. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thanks for the prompt reply doctor,

I have been on antibiotics for just ten days. The other medications are part of my permanent regimen, and I have been taking them for the past six months. During my new routine, I plan to take Thyroxine upon waking, wait for 45 minutes, and then take both Doxycycline and Metronidazole together. Following this, I will have breakfast an hour later, and 30 minutes after breakfast, I will take all of my vitamins and Hydroxychloroquine. This schedule is designed to allow sufficient time for all the medications to take effect. Kindly provide your opinion.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Yes, your regimen is perfect. I suggest you continue with this routine. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

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