How should corticosteroids be administered to minimize GI irritation?

Administering corticosteroids with food or after meals is important for minimizing gastrointestinal (GI) irritation due to the potential of these medications to cause stomach lining irritation and increased acidity. Taking corticosteroids with food helps to buffer the stomach acid and can significantly reduce the risk of developing gastritis or peptic ulcers, which are common complications associated with corticosteroid use.

When corticosteroids are taken on an empty stomach, they can increase the risk of GI discomfort because there is no food to help neutralize stomach acid. Similarly, taking them at bedtime or before breakfast does not provide any protective benefits against the irritative effects of these medications since there may be less food in the stomach to absorb and buffer the medication. Thus, the best practice for those on corticosteroid therapy is to administer the medication with or after a meal to promote gastrointestinal comfort and health.