Bisphosphonate

Risedronate Sodium

Brand names: Actonel, Actonel Once a Week

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

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

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).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways