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COPD exacerbation red flags — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardRespiratory TherapeuticsCOPD exacerbation red flagsGPhC CRA

A patient takes risedronate 35 mg once weekly and calcium carbonate/colecalciferol twice daily. They normally eat breakfast at 08:00 and can reliably wake at 07:00 on risedronate day. Which schedule best protects risedronate absorption?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Take risedronate at 07:00 with plain water; stay upright and delay all intake until 07:30

Risedronate absorption is very low and is further reduced by food and polyvalent cations such as calcium. The weekly tablet should be taken with plain water at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink other than water or other medicine, and the patient should remain upright for at least 30 minutes. Co-administration with calcium, administration with breakfast or immediately afterwards all impair absorption. The proposed bedtime regimen does not follow this product’s authorised morning instructions and may increase oesophageal risk.

Reference: Risedronate sodium 35 mg tablets SmPC. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13430/smpc