HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is Levothyroxine Advisable For A Lactose Intolerant Person?

hello, i am a 58 yr old female who was prescribed levothyroxine 25 mg. for thyroid. i have started by taking half dose, and am already having diarrhea. today was terrible. i have colitis, and have just read this medicine can contain lactose. i am lactose intolerant since having c diff six years ago. help!
Tue, 15 Mar 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Ma'am, Hi & Welcome to HCM.
I understand your concern and the situation.
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar (disaccharide)lactose this is due to low or absent lactase enzyme. The undigested food moves into the colon where it causes gas, bloating and diarrhea.
In addition to certain foods like baked goods, cereals, salad dressings, mayonnaise, puddings, artificial sweeteners medications like Levothyroxine also contains lactose. Hence Levothyroxine should not be taken while having lactose intolerance. I advise you to consult your treating doctor to prescribe an alternate but a safer preferably a lactose free thyroid medication.
Hope this will solve your problem.

I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Is Levothyroxine Advisable For A Lactose Intolerant Person?

Dear Ma am, Hi & Welcome to HCM. I understand your concern and the situation. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar (disaccharide)lactose this is due to low or absent lactase enzyme. The undigested food moves into the colon where it causes gas, bloating and diarrhea. In addition to certain foods like baked goods, cereals, salad dressings, mayonnaise, puddings, artificial sweeteners medications like Levothyroxine also contains lactose. Hence Levothyroxine should not be taken while having lactose intolerance. I advise you to consult your treating doctor to prescribe an alternate but a safer preferably a lactose free thyroid medication. Hope this will solve your problem.