Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating bone disorders in mammals. The methods comprise a loading period with a bisphosphonate followed by a maintenance period. The loading dose is two to twenty times per day greater than the corresponding maintenance dose. Also disclosed are compositions and kits for implementing the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Oral dosage forms of a risedronate comprised of a safe and effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising risedronate, a chelating agent, and, means for effecting delayed release of the risedronate and the chelating agent in the small intestine provide immediate release of the pharmaceutical composition to the small intestine of the mammal subject and pharmaceutically effective absorption of the bisphosphonate with or without food or beverages. The present invention substantially alleviates the interaction between risedronate and food or beverages, which interaction results in the bisphosphonate active ingredient not being available for absorption. The resulting oral dosage form may thus be taken with or without food. Further, the present invention effects delivery of risedronate and the chelating agent to the small intestine, substantially alleviating the upper GI irritation associated with bisphosphonate therapies.

Abstract: Oral dosage forms of a bisphosphonate comprised of a safe and effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a bisphosphonate, a chelating agent, and, means for effecting delayed release of the bisphosphonate and the chelating agent in the lower gastrointestinal tract provide delivery of the pharmaceutical composition to the lower gastrointestinal tract of the mammal subject and pharmaceutically effective absorption of the bisphosphonate with or without food or beverages. The present invention substantially alleviates the interaction between bisphosphonates and food or beverages, which interaction results in the bisphosphonate active ingredient not being available for absorption. The resulting oral dosage form may thus be taken with or without food. Further, the present invention effects delivery of the bisphosphonate and the chelating agent to the lower GI tract, substantially alleviating the upper GI irritation associated with bisphosphonate therapies.

Abstract: A method comprising orally administering to a human or other mammal a pharmaceutical composition comprising from about 65% to about 110% of the cumulative effective dose of risedronate or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid, salt, ester, solvate, or polymorph thereof according to a continuous dosing schedule of one, two, or three consecutive days per month is useful for treating or preventing osteoporosis and other bone metabolic disorders.