Actonel and Alcohol: 5 Things to Know Before You Have a Drink

You’ve been taking Actonel (risedronate) for a few months to protect your bones. It’s been a long week, and you’re ready to unwind with a glass of your favorite wine. But as you reach for that first sip, you pause: Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Actonel?

Actonel is an oral medication that treats and prevents osteoporosis in certain people. It slows bone breakdown, which increases bone density to lower the risk of fractures. Alcohol isn’t strictly off-limits with Actonel. But it can raise the risk of side effects and counteract potential benefits.

Here are five things you should know before drinking alcohol with Actonel.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Alcohol and osteoporosis: Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken bones and raise the risk of osteoporosis. Here’s what you should know about alcohol and bone health.

• Diet and bone health: What you need to know about eating for bone health.

• Exercising with osteoporosis: Exercise is essential to strengthening your bones. Find out the right exercises to help you get the most out of your workout.

1. Alcohol can worsen Actonel side effects

Actonel can irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, especially the esophagus. This can cause side effects such as stomach pain and heartburn, and, in some cases, ulcers. Alcohol may further irritate or damage the lining of the esophagus. This is especially true if you drink heavily or regularly. It can also cause or worsen heartburn.

Whether or not you drink alcohol, there are specific steps to follow when taking Actonel to lower the risk of irritation:

• Take Actonel with a full glass of water: This helps the medication move smoothly through the esophagus and into your stomach.

• Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel: Sitting or standing prevents the medication from lingering in your esophagus. This lowers the risk of irritation or damage.

• Communicate with your care team: If you have persistent stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, or worsening heartburn, talk to your care team. They can provide guidance or adjust your medications.

2. Alcohol can counteract Actonel’s bone benefits

Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially if you drink a lot. That’s because alcohol interferes with the cells that build up your bones. It can also reduce the absorption of nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, that are essential for bone health. In this case, alcohol may thwart some of the bone-building benefits of taking Actonel.

But if you choose to drink, here are some tips for keeping your bones are strong as possible:

• Stick with light or moderate drinking. Your healthcare team can give you guidance as to what this means for you.

• Focus on a nutrient-rich diet. This helps to ensure you’re getting enough calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.

• Incorporate weight-bearing and resistance exercises into your routine. This helps to support bone health and build muscle mass for balance.

Some studies suggest that light-to-moderate drinking may have bone-related benefits. But the evidence is mixed, and the potential risks of drinking alcohol often outweigh any possible benefits.

3. Alcohol may increase your risk of fractures

Drinking a lot of alcohol is not only associated with lower bone density, but it also increases the risk of falls and fractures (bone breaks). Alcohol can impair balance, coordination, and reaction times, which are critical for preventing accidents.

For people with osteoporosis, falls are a leading cause of fractures. Heavy drinking could further increase this risk. So if you decide to drink, do so in moderation and avoid binge drinking. If you’re feeling dizzy or unstable on your feet, sit or lie down until the feeling passes. When you’re ready, get up slowly and grab onto something sturdy to avoid falling down.

4. Timing matters when drinking alcohol with Actonel

Actonel has specific instructions to follow when taking it. To absorb as much of your dose as possible, you should take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water.

Drinking alcohol during this 30-minute window may interfere with how much Actonel your body absorbs. This can make it less effective. So, it’s best to stick with water instead. After at least 30 minutes have passed, you can eat and drink normally.

5. Talk to your healthcare team about drinking alcohol with Actonel

Alcohol isn’t strictly off-limits with Actonel. But its impact on your GI tract and bone health makes it an important topic to discuss with your healthcare team if you decide to drink.

Honest communication about your drinking habits can help them make informed recommendations for your specific situation. They can help you determine how much alcohol, if any, is safe for you based on your medical history. And if you’re interested in cutting back on alcohol, they can help you do this safely.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sandy P. Bonfin, PharmD, BCPS

Sandy Bonfin has 9 years of experience as a pharmacist and has been working as a clinical pharmacist in a hospital in Florida for the past 7 years after a short stint as a mail-order retail pharmacist. Sandy has worked in pediatric medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and intensive care.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts