Date - 22 June 2004

Source- Drugs in Context 2004; 1D(5): Risedronate - Osteoporosis p164

Author - Dr Eleanor Bull

Risedronate, a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, is indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in patients undergoing systemic glucocorticoid treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases. Localised to the bone following administration, risedronate targets the osteoclasts responsible for bone resorption and thereby normalises the bone remodelling process which is disrupted in osteoporosis. Consequently, risedronate increases or maintains bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces the incidence of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in a clinical setting. In order to maximise bioavailability following oral administration, risedronate should be administered before food and following a period of fasting, with patients remaining upright for up to 30 minutes post-dosing. Failure to comply with dosage instructions may result in limited efficacy and an increased risk of side-effects. Risedronate is generally well tolerated with an adverse event profile resembling that of placebo. In contrast to some bisphosphonates, risedronate has a low propensity for causing gastrointestinal irritation, which, coupled with its minimal drug interaction profile, may further promote patient concordance.

Keywords: Risedronate, Osteoporosis