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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 — 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.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

One 35 mg delayed-release tablet once-a-week (2.1) Instruct patients to: • Take risedronate sodium delayed-release tablets in the morning immediately following breakfast with at least 4 ounces of plain water (2.2) • Avoid lying down for 30 minutes after taking risedronate sodium delayed-release tablets (2.2) • Take supplemental calcium and vitamin D if dietary intake is inadequate (2.3) 2.1 Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis [ see Indications and Usage (1.1) ] The recommended regimen is: • one 35 mg delayed-release tablet orally, taken once-a-week [see Indications and Usage (1.1)] 2.2 Important Administration Instructions Instruct patients to do the following: • Take risedronate …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2020-09-09. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

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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