Risedronate Sodium

A to Z Drug Facts

 Action Inhibits normal and abnormal bone resorption.

 Indications Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women; prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at risk of developing osteoporosis; prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women; treatment of Paget's disease of the bone.

 Contraindications Hypocalcemia.

 Route/Dosage

Paget's Disease

ADULTS: PO 30 mg once daily for 2 months.

Treatment and Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis; Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

ADULTS: PO 5 mg/day.

 Interactions

Antacids, calcium supplements, oral medicines containing divalent cations: Decrease risedronate absorption, which may decrease activity.

 Lab Test Interferences Interferes with bone-imaging agents.

 Adverse Reactions

CNS: Headache; dizziness. DERM: Rash. EENT: Amblyopia; tinnitus; dry eye; sinusitis. GI: Diarrhea; abdominal pain; nausea; constipation; belching; colitis; dysphagia; esophagitis; esophageal ulcers; gastric ulcer. RESP: Bronchitis. OTHER: Flu syndrome; chest pain; asthenia; neoplasm; arthralgia; bone pain; leg cramps; myasthenia; peripheral edema.

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy not established. Renal function impairment: Not recommended in patients with CrCl < 30 mL/min.

 Administration/Storage

• Store at room temperature in tightly closed container.
• Administer 30 min before the first meal of the day.
• Administer in upright position with a full glass of water.
• Ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D in patients with Paget's disease.
• Administer with caution to patients with a history of upper GI disorders.
• Exercise caution when administering concomitantly with aspirin or any other NSAID medications.

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain a complete history of prescription and nonprescription drugs and any history of hypersensitivities.
• Assess for possible drug interactions and potential adverse reactions.
• Ensure that hypocalcemia or other disturbance of the bone and mineral metabolism are effectively treated before administration of risedronate.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of upper GI disorders such as dysphagia, epigastric pain, esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, and gastric ulcer.

 Patient/Family Education

• Instruct patient to take the medication exactly as directed, as clinical benefits may be negatively affected by failure to take the drug according to instructions.
• Instruct patient to take in an upright position with a full 8 oz glass of water ³ 30 min before the first food or liquid of the day.
• Remind patient to avoid lying down for 30 min after taking this medication.
• Instruct patient to take any supplement containing calcium or antacids containing magnesium or aluminum ³ 1 hr prior or 2 hr after taking risedronate tablets to prevent interference with absorption.
• Warn nursing mothers that a decision to use the drug or continue nursing should be made in collaboration with their primary health care provider.

Books@Ovid
Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts