Tea also contains caffeine but not in the same concentrations as coffee, and doesn’t seem to affect people in the same way. Here’s what you should know about how coffee can interfere with your medications – and how to stay safe. Many cold medications already contain added caffeine, increasing these risks further. Take levothyroxine or bisphosphonates on an empty stomach with water, and wait 30-60 minutes before drinking coffee or eating breakfast. If you’re ever unsure whether your medicine and your coffee are a good match, ask your pharmacist or doctor.