GENERIC NAME: alendronate
BRAND NAME: Fosamax
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Alendronate is in a class of
medications used to strengthen bone. Bone is in a constant
state of
remodeling, whereby old bone is removed by cells called
osteoclasts, and
new bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts. Alendronate
inhibits
bone removal by the osteoclasts.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: tablet: 10mg (daily); 70mg (weekly)
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container,
avoid
moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Alendronate is used to treat
osteoporosis
(thinning of bone) in women after menopause. After menopause,
there is an
increased rate of bone loss (resorption). In these patients,
alendronate
has been shown to increase bone density while strengthening
bone, and
decrease the rate of bone fractures. Alendronate is also
helpful in the
treatment of Paget's disease of the bone. Paget's disease is
characterized
by a disorderly and accelerated remodeling of the bone, leading
to bone
weakness and pain.
DOSING: Since food, other medications, and vitamins can
interfere with the absorption of alendronate, it should be
taken at least
30 minutes before food, beverage, vitamins or medicines. In
order to avoid
chemical irritation of the esophagus (the tube that connects
the mouth
with the stomach), alendronate should be taken with a full
glass of plain
water first thing in the morning and never chewed or sucked. It
should be
avoided by patients with abnormalities of the esophagus which
delay
esophageal emptying, such as scarring (stricture) or poor
motility
(achalasia). Patients should also not lie down for 30 minutes
after
swallowing the tablets. Those patients who are unable to remain
upright
for at least 30 minutes after taking medication should avoid
alendronate.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: The safety of alendronate in
patients with
significant kidney disease is not known. Therefore, it is not
recommended
for patients with significant kidney conditions. Since
alendronate can
lower blood calcium, low blood calcium levels are corrected
prior to use.
Calcium supplements, antacids and medications can interfere
with the
absorption of alendronate.
PREGNANCY: The safety and effectiveness of alendronate
has not
been established in children or women who are pregnant or
nursing.
NURSING MOTHERS: The safety and effectiveness of
alendronate has
not been established in children or women who are pregnant or
nursing.
SIDE EFFECTS: Alendronate is generally well tolerated.
Side
effects are infrequent and mild. Side effects include stomach
pain or
upset, constipation, diarrhea, muscle ache, and headache.
Alendronate can
irritate the esophagus to cause heartburn in patients who lie
down flat
after swallowing, thereby delaying passage of the medication to
the
stomach.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- ibandronate, Boniva - Boniva (ibandronate) is an oral prescription medication used for treating osteoporosis in women after menopause. Learn more about this class of drug called bisphosphonate, drug interactions, and side effects. Source:MedicineNet
- Osteoporosis - Get information on osteoporosis causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment (drugs), prevention (diet, weight-bearing exercise), statistics, risk factors (hereditary) and research. Source:MedicineNet
- risedronate, Actonel - Explains the medication risedronate (Actonel), a drug used for the treatment of Paget's disease of bone (osteitis deformans) and to treat or prevent osteoporosis. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 44 more alendronate related articles ...
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