Actonel (risedronate) is a prescription brand-name medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat the following conditions in adults:
- osteoporosis in postmenopausal females*†
- osteoporosis in males*
- osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid drugs†
- Paget’s disease
Actonel is classified as a bisphosphonate drug. It comes as an oral tablet.
Risedronate is the active drug in Actonel, and it’s also available as a generic drug.
For information on the dosage of Actonel, including its form, strengths, and how to take the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Actonel, see this article.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
† Actonel may also be taken to help prevent this condition.
This article describes typical dosages for Actonel provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Actonel, always follow the dosing instructions prescribed by your doctor.
Keep reading to learn about Actonel dosages.
Actonel form
Actonel comes as an oral tablet.
Actonel strengths
Actonel tablets come in the following strengths:
- 5 milligrams (mg)
- 30 mg
- 35 mg
- 150 mg
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosages for postmenopausal osteoporosis in females
To treat or help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis in females,* the following Actonel dosages may be recommended:
- 5 mg once daily
- 35 mg once weekly
- 75 mg† taken two days in a row, for a total of 150 mg once monthly
- 150 mg once monthly
Dosage for osteoporosis in males
For treating osteoporosis in males,* the recommended Actonel dosage is 35 mg once weekly.
Dosage for osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoids
To treat or help prevent osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid drugs, the recommended Actonel dosage is 5 mg once daily.
Dosage for Paget’s disease
For treating Paget’s disease, the recommended Actonel dosage is 30 mg once daily for 2 months.
After 2 months of treatment, your doctor will wait at least 2 more months to see how effective Actonel was for your condition. If your symptoms return or if your lab test results don’t show improvement of your condition, your doctor may prescribe another 2-month treatment course of Actonel.
If you’re prescribed a second treatment course of Actonel, the dosage will likely be the same: 30 mg once daily for 2 months.
Taking Actonel long-term
When Actonel is prescribed to treat or help prevent osteoporosis, it may be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Actonel is safe and effective for your osteoporosis, you’ll likely take the drug for at least 3 to 5 years.
However, the safety and effectiveness of Actonel when taken for longer than 3 years isn’t known. After 3 to 5 years of Actonel treatment for osteoporosis, you and your doctor will likely discuss whether you should stop or continue treatment.
For Paget’s disease, Actonel treatment consists of a 2-month treatment course followed by a waiting period of at least 2 months. Your doctor may then prescribe a second treatment course, depending on your symptoms and lab test results. Actonel’s safety and effectiveness for Paget’s disease after two treatment courses isn’t known.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
† Brand-name Actonel no longer comes in a 75-mg strength. However, risedronate (the generic form of Actonel) comes in a strength of 75 mg. If your doctor recommends this dose for you, they’ll likely have you take the generic form of Actonel.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Actonel dosage.
Is Actonel taken once a month?
It depends. If you’re taking Actonel to treat or help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, your doctor might prescribe a dosage of 150 milligrams (mg) once a month.
For more information on approved Actonel dosages, see the “Actonel dosage” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Actonel’s dosage vary by strength (5 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 150 mg)?
Yes, Actonel’s dosage can vary based on which strength you take and your condition.
To treat or help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, your Actonel dosage may be:
- once daily if you take the 5-mg tablet
- once weekly if you take the 35-mg tablet
- once monthly if you take a dose of 75 mg* 2 days in a row
- once monthly if you take the 150-mg tablet
For treating Paget’s disease, the 30-mg tablet is typically prescribed. You’ll take this dose once daily for 2 months.
For more information on Actonel dosages, see the “Actonel dosage” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
I’m taking generic Actonel. How might my dosage compare with that of Actonel?
Risedronate is the generic form of the brand-name medication Actonel. Risedronate is also the active drug in Actonel.
Generic risedronate comes in the same strengths as brand-name Actonel. It also comes in one additional strength of 75 mg.
Brand-name Actonel and generic risedronate have the same dosages when they’re taken for the same condition. For example, the recommended dosages for postmenopausal osteoporosis are the same if you’re taking Actonel or generic risedronate.
For more information on Actonel dosages, see the “Actonel dosage” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have other questions about the generic version of Actonel.
* Brand-name Actonel no longer comes in a 75-mg strength. However, risedronate (the generic form of Actonel) comes in a strength of 75 mg. If your doctor recommends this dose for you, they’ll likely have you take the generic form of Actonel.
What to do if you’ve missed a dose of Actonel depends on how often you take a dose. The chart below provides information about what to do after missing a dose. Make sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you aren’t sure what to do after missing an Actonel dose.
| If your Actonel dosage is: | Do this if you miss a dose: |
| 5 milligrams (mg) once daily | Skip the missed dose. Take your next scheduled dose the next morning as usual. Do not take two tablets in one day. |
| 35 mg once weekly | Take your missed dose in the morning of the next day (or in the morning on whichever day you remember). You can then take your next dose on your usual day the following week. Do not take two tablets in one day. |
| 75 mg taken two days in a row, for a total of 150 mg once monthly | If you miss taking both doses and your next month’s dose is more than 7 days away, take one dose in the morning of the next day (or in the morning on whichever day you remember). Then, take your second dose the following morning. If you miss taking only one dose (either the first or second dose) and your next month’s dose is more than 7 days away, take the missed dose in the morning of the next day (or in the morning of whichever day you remember). Then return to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss taking one or both doses and your next month’s dose is within 7 days, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your usual day. Do not take more than 150 mg in a 7-day period. |
| 150 mg once monthly | If your next month’s dose is more than 7 days away, take your dose in the morning after the day you remember. Then, take your next month’s dose on your usual day. If your next month’s dose is within 7 days, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your usual day. |
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
The Actonel dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Actonel to treat
- your age
- other medical conditions you may have
Actonel comes as tablets you take by mouth. There are specific directions for how to take Actonel tablets. Following these directions helps your body digest Actonel correctly and can reduce your risk of side effects.
- You should take Actonel at least 30 minutes before your first meal or first beverage of the day, not including water. You should also take Actonel before any other medications or supplements you take.
- Swallow each tablet whole with a full glass of water (6 to 8 ounces). You should not suck or chew Actonel tablets.
- After taking Actonel, avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes.
- Avoid eating or drinking liquids other than water for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel. You should also avoid taking any other medications or supplements for at least 30 minutes.
If you have questions about how to take Actonel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. It’s important to take the drug exactly as your doctor prescribes.
If you take more Actonel than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects. It’s important that you don’t take more Actonel than your doctor recommends.
Symptoms of an overdose
In severe cases, an overdose of Actonel can cause:
- Low blood calcium levels. Symptoms may include:
- confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Low blood phosphate levels. Symptoms may include:
- muscle weakness
- loss of appetite
- confusion or trouble thinking clearly
If you take more than the recommended amount of Actonel
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Actonel. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Actonel for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Actonel without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Actonel that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Actonel. These additional articles might be helpful to you:
- More about Actonel. For information about other aspects of Actonel, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Actonel, you can see the Actonel prescribing information.
- Details about your condition. For details on osteoporosis, see these articles. These articles about bone health may also be helpful. You can also check out this article for more information on Paget’s disease.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
