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Bisphosphonate

Risedronate Sodium

Brand names: Actonel, Actonel Once a Week

Used in: Osteoporosis

Risedronate sodium is an oral bisphosphonate used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. It reduces bone resorption and fracture risk.

Dosing — not shown for this use

The product information we hold does not support a dose for this page's specific use, route or population, so none is shown. Follow your local or national guideline, and confirm against the product SmPC.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that binds bone mineral and inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.

Prescribing in practice

  • Take on an empty stomach with plain water and remain upright afterwards to reduce the risk of oesophageal irritation; avoid in oesophageal abnormalities that delay emptying.
  • Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
  • Osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fractures are rare but recognised; a dental check is advisable before starting.

Monitoring

Review fracture risk and treatment duration periodically; ensure calcium and vitamin D adequacy and ask about thigh, hip or groin pain and dental or oral symptoms.

Counselling the patient

  • Take the tablet with plain water and stay upright (sitting or standing) afterwards; do not lie down.
  • Report difficulty or pain on swallowing, or heartburn.
  • Report new thigh, hip or groin pain, or jaw or mouth problems, and mention this medicine to your dentist.

Evidence & guidelines

Guideline-recommended oral bisphosphonate for osteoporosis (NICE).

Reference: NICE CG146 (Osteoporosis); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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