AgentsDosageFDA-approved indications
Bisphosphonates
 Risedronate (Actonel)5 mg orally once a dayPrevention or treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
35 mg orally once a weekTreatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
5 mg orally once a day
 Alendronate (Fosamax)5 mg orally once a dayPrevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis
35 mg orally once a week
10 mg orally once a dayTreatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
70 mg orally once a week
5 mg orally once a day (10 mg orally once a day in postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen)Treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
10 mg orally once a dayTreatment of osteoporosis in men
70 mg orally once a week
Hormones
 Conjugated equine estrogen0.625 mg orally once a dayPrevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis
 Various estrogen preparationsDosage depends on agent.Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Recombinant human parathyroid hormone
 Teriparatide (Forteo)20 mcg SC once a dayTreatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis who are at high risk for fracture
Selective estrogen receptor modulator
 Raloxifene (Evista)60 mg orally once a dayPrevention or treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Salmon calcitonin (Miacalcin)200 IU intranasally once a day (alternating nostrils daily)Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
100 units SC or IM every other day