When it comes to lactose, not all dairy products are created equal. Have milk or dairy products with a meal. The mix of foods slows the release of lactose into your digestive system, so you reduce your chances of discomfort. Buy lactose-free milk, which you can find at supermarkets. Let the drops work for 24 hours before you drink the milk.
Some tablets come in chewable form.
Like the drops above, these pills are safe and work well. If you find you can handle only a little dairy, or if you're just not able to eat any, you'll want to make sure you get enough calcium. All are rich in calcium. References Levitt MD, et al. A commonsense approach to lactose intolerance.