risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Bisphosphonate bone-resorption inhibitor
Main licensed role
Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men at high fracture risk
Administration
Take on an empty stomach with plain water while upright; swallow whole and remain upright afterwards
What is risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Postmenopausal osteoporosis, to reduce vertebral-fracture risk
Established postmenopausal osteoporosis, to reduce hip-fracture risk
Osteoporosis in men at high risk of fractures
How does risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate work?
Risedronate binds to the mineral surface of bone and inhibits osteoclasts, the cells that remove old bone. This reduces bone turnover while preserving bone formation and mineralisation.
How to take risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate
Follow the pack and prescriber instructions carefully because food and minerals markedly reduce absorption.
Take before the first food, drink or other oral medicine of the day
Use a glass of plain water while sitting or standing upright
Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew or suck it
Do not lie down afterwards
Do not take it at the same time as milk, calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminium-containing antacids or mineral supplements
risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Indigestion, nausea or abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Muscle, joint or bone pain
Get urgent medical advice
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn
- Severe allergic or blistering skin reactions
- Persistent jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth or poor healing after dental work
- New, persistent thigh, hip or groin pain
- A painful red eye or change in vision
- Persistent ear pain, discharge or recurrent ear infection
risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate in pregnancy
The selected product is contraindicated during pregnancy. Bisphosphonates remain stored in bone and pregnancy safety evidence is limited, so anyone planning a pregnancy or becoming pregnant during or after treatment should discuss this promptly with their prescriber.
risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate while breastfeeding
The selected product is contraindicated while breastfeeding because human evidence is inadequate and animal studies indicate that small amounts can enter milk. A prescriber should discuss suitable alternatives.
risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate interactions
Substances containing polyvalent minerals can bind risedronate in the gut and reduce its absorption.
Calcium supplements
Do not take at the same time as risedronate; separate them according to the product instructions.
Iron supplements
Concurrent use reduces risedronate absorption, so they must be taken separately.
Magnesium- or aluminium-containing antacids
These interfere with absorption and should not be taken at the same time.
Common questions about risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate used for?
It treats osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men at high fracture risk. Its licensed fracture-risk claims differ according to the patient group.
Is risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate a bisphosphonate?
Yes. It is a bisphosphonate that reduces osteoclast-mediated bone breakdown.
Why must risedronate sodium hemipentahydrate be taken on an empty stomach?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.