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Risedronate

Drug Information

Risedronate is used to treat certain bone diseases. It is in a family of drugs known as bisphosphonates.

Common brand names:

Actonel

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

What Are Nutrient Interactions
Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

  • none

Reduce Side Effects

  • none

Support Medicine

  • none

Reduces Effectiveness

  • Iron

    Taking risedronate at the same time as iron, zinc, or magnesium may reduce the amount of drug absorbed.1 Therefore, people taking risedronate who wish to supplement with these minerals should take them an hour before or two hours after the drug.

  • Zinc

    Taking risedronate at the same time as iron, zinc, or magnesium may reduce the amount of drug absorbed.2 Therefore, people taking risedronate who wish to supplement with these minerals should take them an hour before or two hours after the drug.

Potential Negative Interaction

  • none

Explanation Required 

  • Calcium

    Short-term treatment with risedronate in people with hyperparathydoidism—a disorder characterized by high blood levels of calcium—resulted in lower calcium blood levels.3 Additional research is needed to determine whether people taking risedronate for Paget’s disease might develop low blood calcium levels. As a precaution, people with Paget’s disease should take supplemental calcium and vitamin D if dietary intake is inadequate. However, taking risedronate at the same time as calcium supplements reduces absorption of the drug.4 Therefore, people taking risedronate for Paget’s disease should take calcium supplements an hour before or two hours after taking the drug.

    The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
  • Magnesium

    Taking risedronate at the same time as iron, zinc, or magnesium may reduce the amount of drug absorbed.5 Therefore, people taking risedronate who wish to supplement with these minerals should take them an hour before or two hours after the drug.

    The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
  • Vitamin D

    Short-term treatment with risedronate in people with hyperparathydoidism—a disorder characterized by high blood levels of calcium—resulted in lower calcium blood levels.6 Additional research is needed to determine whether people taking risedronate for Paget’s disease might develop low blood calcium levels. As a precaution, people with Paget’s disease should take supplemental calcium and vitamin D if dietary intake is inadequate. However, taking risedronate at the same time as calcium supplements reduces absorption of the drug.7 Therefore, people taking risedronate for Paget’s disease should take calcium supplements an hour before or two hours after taking the drug.

    The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

References

1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc. 2000, 2504–6.

2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc. 2000, 2504–6.

3. Reasner CA, Stone MD, Hosking DJ, et al. Acute changes in calcium homeostasis during treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism with risedronate. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1993;77:1067–71.

4. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2504–6.

5. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc. 2000, 2504–6.

6. Reasner CA, Stone MD, Hosking DJ, et al. Acute changes in calcium homeostasis during treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism with risedronate. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1993;77:1067–71.

7. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2504–6.

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