Role of alendronate and risedronate in preventing and treating osteoporosis

Alendronate and risedronate, the two oral bisphosphonates approved in the U nited States for preventing and treating osteoporosis, have never been comp ared in direct head-to-head trials, but they appear to have similar pharmac okinetics, drug interactions, adverse effect profiles, and efficacy. Alendr onate, however, can be given as a once-weekly dose, whereas risedronate is not yet available in this dosage form. On the other hand, alendronate is no t approved for preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, whereas rise dronate carries this indication.