Drug interactions
Calcium + Prednisone
Severity: Minor
Calcium and Prednisone: 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
Prednisone 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 Prednisone 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; Prednisone 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 Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium with Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Calcium and Prednisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Prednisone 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 Prednisone?
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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