Is it safe to take prednisone with milk, or should dairy be avoided because it interferes with absorption?

Taking prednisone with milk is generally considered safe, and dairy does not meaningfully interfere with prednisone’s absorption. Prednisone is commonly advised to be taken with food to reduce stomach irritation, and milk can be part of that food. ^[1] Guidance for oral prednisone supports taking it with food, and there is no specific warning that dairy reduces its efficacy or absorption. ^[2]

What official guidance says

• Prednisone is taken by mouth and is “usually taken with food,” a practice intended to minimize stomach upset rather than to improve absorption. ^[1] Instructions also specify swallowing delayed‑release tablets whole, but do not include a restriction against milk or dairy intake. ^[3]
• For liquid formulations, mixing with flavored liquids or soft foods (like applesauce) is acceptable, again without a dairy exclusion. ^[3]

Evidence on food and absorption

• Studies on closely related corticosteroids show that food does not reduce the overall bioavailability (total amount absorbed) of immediate‑release prednisolone/prednisone; differences are mainly in peak levels and timing, not total absorption. ^[4] In prednisone specifically, a crossover study found that food did not change mean plasma prednisolone concentrations, indicating no meaningful impact on absorption. ^[5]
• Enteric‑coated prednisolone behaves differently: heavy meals can delay and make absorption variable, so those tablets are best taken at least 2 hours away from meals. ^[6] This caveat applies to enteric‑coated prednisolone tablets, not standard prednisone tablets. ^[6]

Dairy, calcium, and other medications

• Calcium in foods like milk commonly interferes with certain drugs (for example, alendronate), but studies show prednisone does not significantly alter alendronate bioavailability, whereas calcium‑containing products themselves can affect alendronate. ^[7] This distinction helps illustrate that while calcium can bind and block some medications, prednisone is not one of the drugs known to be hindered by calcium in dairy. ^[7]
• Long‑term corticosteroid use may increase the need for calcium and vitamin D to protect bone health, and clinicians often recommend these supplements; this is a safety consideration, not an absorption concern with dairy. ^[8] Recommendations for high‑calcium diets can accompany corticosteroid therapy for bone protection. ^[9]

Practical tips

• If you experience stomach upset with prednisone, taking it with milk or a small meal can help reduce irritation. ^[1]
• If your tablet is delayed‑release prednisone, swallow it whole as directed; there is no restriction against dairy, but do not crush or chew the tablet. ^[3]
• If you are on enteric‑coated prednisolone (a different formulation), consider taking it at least 2 hours before or after meals to keep absorption more predictable. ^[6]
• If you also take drugs known to interact with calcium (such as alendronate), separate those from dairy; this is about the other drug’s absorption, not prednisone’s. ^[7]

Bottom line

• Standard prednisone can be taken with milk, and dairy does not typically interfere with its absorption. ^[1] Taking prednisone with food including milk can be helpful to reduce stomach irritation. ^[2] Avoid timing concerns mainly for enteric‑coated prednisolone, not for regular prednisone. ^[6]