Based on NIH | Can I take naproxen after eating cheese in the morning, or does dairy interfere with its effectiveness?

You can take naproxen after eating cheese or other dairy, and for most people dairy does not meaningfully interfere with naproxen’s effectiveness. Food (including milk or cheese) may slow how fast naproxen is absorbed, but it generally does not reduce the total amount your body absorbs or its pain‑relieving benefit. ^{[1] [2]}

Key point

• Eating dairy with naproxen is acceptable, and many product labels even suggest taking naproxen with food or milk if your stomach feels upset. ^{[3] [4]}
• While food can modestly delay the rate of absorption, the overall exposure to naproxen (bioavailability) remains about the same. ^{[2] [5]}

Why food and dairy are often recommended

• Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can irritate the stomach lining; taking it with food or milk can help reduce stomach discomfort. ^{[3] [6]}
• Official consumer and professional labels consistently advise “take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs,” reinforcing that dairy does not block effectiveness. ^{[3] [7]}

What the clinical data show

• Conventional and sustained‑release naproxen: Food can decrease the rate of absorption (it may take slightly longer to feel peak effect) but does not decrease the amount absorbed or overall effectiveness. ^{[2] [5]}
• General pharmacokinetics: Naproxen is rapidly and completely absorbed, and is little affected by food within wide dosing limits. ^[1]
• Antacids: Even aluminum/magnesium antacids (e.g., Mylanta) did not significantly change naproxen bioavailability in single or multiple doses. ^{[8] [9]}

Practical tips

• If your stomach is sensitive, it’s reasonable to take naproxen right after a meal or with milk; this can help minimize irritation without reducing benefit. ^{[3] [10]}
• Expect pain relief to start as usual; at most, food may delay the peak effect slightly, but the overall relief should be comparable. ^{[2] [5]}
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to reduce the chance of stomach side effects. ^[4]
• If you regularly take aspirin for heart protection, be aware naproxen may reduce aspirin’s heart‑protective effect; ask your clinician how to space them properly. ^{[3] [4]}

When to be cautious

• If you notice persistent stomach pain, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or feeling faint, stop naproxen and seek medical advice promptly, as these can be signs of stomach bleeding. ^{[4] [10]}
• People with a history of ulcers, kidney problems, or on certain medications should confirm safety with a clinician or pharmacist before using naproxen. ^{[6] [11]}

Bottom line

• Having cheese or other dairy in the morning does not meaningfully interfere with naproxen’s effectiveness, and taking naproxen with food or milk is commonly recommended to reduce stomach upset. ^{[3] [2]}