Risedronate Sodium (Actonel) Uses

Risedronate sodium is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is also used to treat osteoporosis in men and steroid-induced osteoporosis in men and women. Osteoporosis is a condition in which there is thinning or weakening of the bones, leading to an increased risk of bone fractures. In addition, risedronate sodium is used to treat Paget’s disease, a chronic bone disorder in which the bones are weak and deformed.

There may be other uses of risedronate sodium—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Risedronate Sodium (Actonel) Mechanism of Action

Risedronate sodium prevents bone resorption (breakdown), slows the rate of bone loss, and increases bone mineral density (bone thickness or bone mass).

Risedronate Sodium (Actonel) Doses

Risedronate sodium comes in the following dosage forms:

• Immediate-release tablets 5 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg.
• Delayed-release tablets 35 mg.

The recommended dose is as follows:

For prevention or treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis:

• One 5 mg tablet once daily or
• One 35 mg tablet once a week or 
• One 75 mg tablet, each taken on two days in a row every month or
• One 150 mg tablet once a month

For treatment of osteoporosis in men:

• One 35 mg tablet once a week

For treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis:

• One 5 mg tablet once daily

For treatment of Paget’s disease

• One 30 mg tablet once daily for 2 months