Risedronate sodium (Actonel®) is a bisphosphonate used to strengthen bone, treat or prevent osteoporosis, and treat Paget's disease of bone. It is produced and marketed by Proctor and Gamble and Sanofi-Aventis.

Administration

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Risedronate is taken orally, usually 5 mg daily or 35 mg weekly. Notably, if risedronate lodges in the esophagus, it can lead to esophageal ulcers. Therefore, it is recommended that risedronate be taken with the body upright, and followed by a glass of water. Moreover, risedronate is poorly absorbed when taken with food, so it is recommended that no food or drink other than water be taken for 2 hours before and 30 minutes after taking risedronate. Risedronate has a faster esophageal transit time and different chemical chain which results in less gastrointestinal side-effects than other drugs in this class. The dosage instructions also show that risedronate can be taken with less water than other drugs in the class.

Bisphosphonates | Procter & Gamble