Persly Medical TeamCan I take prednisone with yogurt, or do dairy products interfere with its absorption?
Standard prednisone tablets can be taken with yogurt or other dairy, as food does not significantly reduce overall absorption. Taking prednisone with food may delay the peak slightly and can ease stomach irritation. Note: enteric-coated prednisolone should be taken at least 2 hours from meals due to variable absorption.
You can generally take prednisone with yogurt or other dairy products, and dairy does not meaningfully interfere with the overall absorption of standard prednisone tablets. [1] Prednisone is often taken with food to reduce stomach irritation, and a meal may slightly delay the time to peak levels without reducing the total amount absorbed. [2] [3]
Key Point: Dairy and Prednisone Absorption
- Standard (immediate‑release) prednisone tablets show similar total absorption whether taken with or without food, including dairy. [1] Taking prednisone with a meal can shift the peak concentration to a later time, but the overall exposure remains similar. [2]
- Prednisone is commonly advised to be taken with food for stomach comfort, so pairing your dose with yogurt is a reasonable approach. [3]
What About Prednisolone and Special Formulations?
- Prednisolone (the active form your body converts prednisone into) from plain, uncoated tablets is well absorbed even when fasting, with consistent bioavailability. [4]
- Enteric‑coated prednisolone tablets are different: heavy meals can variably delay and alter absorption, sometimes for many hours, so they are best taken at least 2 hours away from meals for more predictable effect. [4] This issue is specific to enteric‑coated prednisolone tablets and does not apply to standard prednisone tablets. [4]
Practical Tips
- If you are using standard prednisone tablets, taking them with yogurt is generally fine and may help reduce stomach upset. [3] The peak effect may arrive a bit later, but the total absorbed amount should be similar. [2]
- If you are prescribed an enteric‑coated corticosteroid (such as enteric‑coated prednisolone), consider taking it at least 2 hours before or after meals to avoid unpredictable absorption. [4]
- Calcium and prednisone: while dairy calcium does not block prednisone absorption, corticosteroids can increase calcium loss from the body, and your clinician may suggest a diet higher in calcium and potassium or supplements to support bone health. [5] [6]
Bottom Line
- For most people on standard prednisone, yogurt and other dairy do not significantly interfere with absorption, and taking prednisone with food is commonly recommended for comfort. [1] [2] [3]
- Special case: enteric‑coated prednisolone should be separated from meals by at least 2 hours due to variable absorption with food. [4]
Related Questions
Related Articles
Sources
- 1.^abcEffect of food on the bioavailability of prednisone.(pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- 2.^abcdEffect of liquid diet on serum protein binding and prednisolone concentrations after oral prednisone.(pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- 3.^abcdPrednisone: MedlinePlus Drug Information(medlineplus.gov)
- 4.^abcdeEffect of food on the absorption and pharmacokinetics of prednisolone from enteric-coated tablets.(pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- 5.^↑Prednisone: MedlinePlus Drug Information(medlineplus.gov)
- 6.^↑Prednisone: MedlinePlus Drug Information(medlineplus.gov)
Important Notice: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.