Coffee and Medications — What You Need to Know

At Centrum Pharmacy, we believe that even everyday habits—like your morning coffee—deserve thoughtful, evidence-based attention. That’s because medications don’t work in isolation, and common food and drink interactions can affect your treatment outcomes, sometimes significantly.

One of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, coffee may seem harmless. But it can interact with medications in subtle or serious ways. As your local pharmacist-led clinic, we specialize in catching these interactions before they cause harm—and in helping you get the most from your medications.

Here Are 5 Key Medication Categories Affected by Coffee:

Cold & Flu Medications

Caffeine and pseudoephedrine (like in Sudafed) are both stimulants. Taking them together can lead to jitters, high blood pressure, insomnia, or fast heart rate. Caffeine can also interact with theophylline (for asthma) or ADHD medications, increasing side effects.

Thyroid Medications & Bone Health Drugs

Taking levothyroxine (thyroid replacement therapy) with coffee can reduce absorption by up to 50%, leaving you under-treated even when following your prescription.
The same applies to bisphosphonates like alendronate or risedronate—used to treat osteoporosis. These must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30–60 minutes before any food or coffee.

Mental Health Medications

SSRIs (like sertraline or citalopram) may become less effective when combined with caffeine.
Clozapine and some tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline) are processed by the same liver enzymes that break down caffeine. This can increase drug levels dangerously, or leave you jittery for hours.

Painkillers

Caffeine can accelerate the absorption of aspirin and acetaminophen, sometimes making them more effective. But it can also increase the risk of stomach irritation or bleeding, especially when combined with other caffeine sources.

Heart Medications

Caffeine raises heart rate and blood pressure. For people taking antihypertensives or antiarrhythmics, this can counteract the effects of their medications. If you notice symptoms like palpitations, insomnia, or restlessness—talk to your pharmacist.

What Sets Centrum Pharmacy Apart?

• Our team understands the complex relationships between medications, food, and lifestyle habits.
• We help you prevent interactions before they start, adjusting your treatment plan, timing, or dietary habits to avoid problems.
• We collaborate with your physician to ensure every part of your care plan works together.

Whether you’re on thyroid medication, antidepressants, or just fighting a cold—you deserve expert guidance from trusted professionals.

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Take thyroid meds and bone medications on an empty stomach—then wait 30–60 minutes before coffee.
• Watch for stimulant overload with flu meds, asthma inhalers, and ADHD treatments.
• Ask us about safe timing if you’re on mental health or cardiac medications.
• Everyone metabolizes caffeine differently. If something feels off, check in with your pharmacist.

Final Thought: When it comes to your health, there are no small details—not even coffee.

At Centrum Pharmacy, we help patients make confident, safe, and fully informed choices every day.

It’s part of our commitment to Complete, Caring, Connected Care.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.