Based on NIH | Can I eat yogurt right before taking omeprazole, or does dairy interfere with its absorption?

You can eat yogurt around the time you take omeprazole, but it’s generally best to take omeprazole on an empty stomach 30–60 minutes before a meal for the most consistent effect. Dairy (including yogurt) does not have a known, clinically significant interaction that blocks omeprazole absorption the way it does for certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin. ^{[1] [2]}

How omeprazole is absorbed

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) designed as a delayed‑release capsule that passes through the stomach and dissolves in the intestine. It works best when taken before eating because food can slow the rate at which omeprazole reaches the bloodstream, even though the total amount absorbed is not meaningfully reduced. ^{[1] [2]} Food has been shown to decrease the rate (peak level) and sometimes modestly reduce overall exposure with certain formulations, so the standard advice is to take it before meals for consistency. Morning dosing before breakfast is commonly recommended and has shown more optimal acid control in some comparisons. ^[3]

Dairy and omeprazole: what we know

• There is no established direct interaction between dairy/calcium and omeprazole that significantly reduces omeprazole absorption. Guidance for omeprazole focuses on timing with meals, not avoiding milk or yogurt. ^{[1] [2]}
• By contrast, dairy can reduce absorption of some other drugs (e.g., ciprofloxacin), which is why you may see warnings for those medications; this warning does not apply to omeprazole. ^[4]
• Omeprazole itself can change stomach acidity, which can alter absorption of other medicines (such as ketoconazole or digoxin), but this is about omeprazole’s effect on other drugs, not dairy’s effect on omeprazole. ^{[5] [6]}

Practical timing tips

• Best practice: Take omeprazole 30–60 minutes before a meal (often before breakfast). ^{[1] [2]}
• If you prefer yogurt: You can still have yogurt, but try to keep omeprazole separated from food to follow the “before a meal” guidance; for example, take omeprazole first, then eat yogurt after 30–60 minutes. This aligns with the recommended administration and helps ensure consistent acid suppression. ^{[1] [2]}
• If swallowing capsules is hard: Opening the capsule and sprinkling the contents on applesauce (not yogurt) is an approved alternative, because applesauce is acidic and suitable for the microgranules. Do not chew the granules, and avoid mixing with other foods or liquids unless specifically directed. ^{[7] [8]}

Key takeaways

• Yogurt does not meaningfully interfere with omeprazole absorption. ^{[1] [2]}
• For best results, take omeprazole before meals rather than with food. ^{[1] [2]}
• Dairy precautions you may have heard generally apply to other medicines (like certain antibiotics), not PPIs like omeprazole. ^[4]

Quick reference table

• Recommendation: Take omeprazole before a meal. ^{[1] [2]}
• Dairy interaction: No specific restriction for omeprazole. ^{[1] [2]}
• Compare: Dairy reduces absorption of ciprofloxacin (not omeprazole). ^[4]
• Alternate administration: Capsule contents can be taken with applesauce if needed. ^{[7] [8]}

Would you like help setting a simple morning routine to take omeprazole before breakfast with your usual yogurt?