Drug interactions
Calcium + Prednisolone
Severity: Minor
Calcium and Prednisolone: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Prednisolone reduces intestinal calcium absorption and increases urinary calcium loss, contributing to bone loss during prolonged therapy. Calcium is often co-prescribed to offset this.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium and Prednisolone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Calcium belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Prednisolone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Glucocorticoids decrease intestinal calcium absorption and increase renal calcium excretion.
What to do
Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake during long-term therapy and monitor bone density.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Calcium
- Calcium + Ceftriaxone Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Calcium Moderate
- Alendronate + Calcium Moderate
- Atazanavir + Calcium Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Calcium Moderate
- Bendroflumethiazide + Calcium Moderate
Other interactions of Prednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Prednisolone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium with Prednisolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Calcium and Prednisolone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Prednisolone reduces intestinal calcium absorption and increases urinary calcium loss, contributing to bone loss during prolonged therapy. Calcium is often co-prescribed to offset this.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium and Prednisolone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake during long-term therapy and monitor bone density.
What other medicines interact with Calcium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Calcium with, for example, Ceftriaxone, Acalabrutinib, Alendronate. The full list is on the Calcium page.
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