Answer
May 13, 2026 - 08:33 AM
When taking bisphosphonates, especially oral forms such as alendronate, risedronate, or ibandronate, follow the administration instructions carefully. Most oral bisphosphonates should be taken with plain water only, and you should avoid food, coffee, juice, milk, calcium supplements, iron, magnesium, and antacids for the specified period afterward because they can reduce absorption.
You should also avoid lying down immediately after taking the medication. Remain sitting or standing upright for the recommended period—commonly at least 30 minutes, and 60 minutes for oral ibandronate—to reduce the risk of irritation or injury to the esophagus.
Tell your healthcare provider or dentist that you take a bisphosphonate before having tooth extractions or other invasive dental procedures, because these medications are associated with a rare complication called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Do not stop treatment on your own before dental work; your healthcare provider should advise you.
Note: Instructions vary by medication and formulation—for example, delayed-release risedronate has different food instructions—so follow the directions for your specific bisphosphonate.
