Is it safe to take Synthroid, Valturna, Diovan, Toprol XL, and Demadex together?

  • Q: Is it safe to take Synthroid, Valturna, Diovan, Toprol XL, and Demadex together? What are the side effects of these medications and how should I take them?
  • A: According to the FDA approved drug information, there are no severe drug interactions between the medications you are taking. But, Valturna contains the drug Diovan; consult your physician to be sure that you are supposed to be taking both of these. You can take these medications any time of day as long as you take them at the same time consistently. Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a thyroid hormone replacement medication used to treat underactive thyroid. Synthroid should be taken in the morning at least thirty minutes before eating because many foods, vitamins, and other medications can reduce the absorption of Synthroid. Synthroid has no side effects if you are taking the proper dosage for your level of hormone deficiency. Synthroid has over 200 drug interactions. The following food products can make your body absorb less Synthroid: soy containing foods or beverages, cotton seed meal, walnuts, high-fiber foods, and dairy products. If you take any of the following products, use them at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take Synthroid: multivitamins, calcium carbonate, ferrous sulfate (iron supplement), sucralfate (Carafate), antacids that contain aluminum (Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, and others), and cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid). This is not a complete list of medications that can interact with Synthroid. Diovan (valsartan) is in a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs work by keeping blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. There are many possible drug interactions with Diovan, way too many for me to list here. Consult your pharmacist or physician if you take, or are thinking of taking any other prescription or over the counter medications while on Diovan. Diovan can increase your potassium level. Therefore, any medications that also raise potassium levels can be a problem. Potassium supplements, salt substitutes and some diuretic medications can raise your potassium level. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, Aleve (naproxen), Motrin (ibuprofen), Celebrex (celecoxib), Mobic (meloxicam), and others can inhibit the function of ARBs (Diovan) in the kidney. Valturna contains a combination of aliskiren and valsartan. Aliskiren is an anti-hypertensive medication that works by keeping blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure. The most common side effects of Valturna are diarrhea, dizziness, headache, joint or back pain, flu-like symptoms, and drowsiness. Toprol XL (metoprolol) is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers are used to treat chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure (hypertension). Beta-blockers are also used to treat or prevent heart attack. They work by improving circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins) and regulating heart rate. The most common side effects of metoprolol are dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, gas, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, drowsiness, muscle aches, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Burton Dunaway, PharmD.
This question was answered on June 15, 2011.


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