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Generic Name : ALENDRONATE

ABSTRACT –

Alendronate is a drug that is used to treat osteoporosis, gonadal failure and other conditions like steroid use. It is generally used when there is a potential risk of bone fracture due to osteoporosis. A bisphosphonate used to treat Paget’s bone disease, Alendronate inhibits bone resorption by working on osteoclasts to increase bone mineral density.

DOSAGE –

• Alendronate is to be taken as directed by the doctor.
• The general dosage is to be consumed once a day, or once a week. Consult your doctor regarding the intensity and frequency of drug consumption.
• Alendronate is to be ingested half an hour before consuming any food or water in the morning.
• The tablet is generally consumed whole along with a plain glass of water.
• General adult dosages available –
Tablet – 35mg, 40mg, 70mg Effervescent tablet – 70mg/75mL

SIDE EFFECTS –

Diagnosis is usually recommended to –

• Decrease in serum calcium
• Decrease in serum phosphate
• Myalgia
• Arthralgia
• Ostalgia
• Abdominal pains
• Heartburns
• Severe joint pains or muscle pains

RARE SIDE EFFECTS:

• Constipation
• Upset stomachs
• Pain in the facial area
• Skin rashes
• Diarrhea
• Stomach bloating (gas)
• Headaches
• Severe Nausea

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• • Deferasirox
  • Etelcalcetide

Alendronate has major interactions with two drugs.

• Amikacin
• Aspirin
• Bevacizumab
• Bromfenac
• Bumetanide
• Calcium acetate
• Celecoxib
• Diclofenac
• Denosumab
• Etodolac
• Fenoprofen
• Foscarnet
• Gentamicin
• Ibuprofen
• Kaolin
• Magnesium lactate
• Streptomycin

Alendronate has moderate interactions with 220 different drugs

PRECAUTIONS –

• Provide your doctor with a detailed and accurate medical history before drug prescription. Notify your doctor if you have indigestion, hypocalcaemia, kidney diseases, dental problems or problems that cause malabsorption.
• Brush and floss teeth regularly during course
• Do not consume Alendronate in case of an allergy or if you have low levels of calcium in your blood, or have problems with your esophageal tract.
• While using the effervescent tablet, notify your doctor of your diet – as this tablet contains a sizeable amount of sodium.
• Avoid Alendronate altogether if you find it difficult to stand up or sit upright 30 minutes after ingesting the medication.
• Do not smoke or consume large amounts of alcohol during course.
• Notify your doctor in case you use drugs like NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or aspirin.

WARNINGS –

• Notify a medical authority if symptoms like chest pains, heartburns, muscle spasms or unusual pains occur. These are signs or either esophageal problems or of new conditions centering the bones.
• Certain factors, combined with this drug can cause a condition called ‘osteonecrosis’ which involves severe pains in the jaw and dental area. Chemotherapy is a catalyst to osteonecrosis.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, try not to vomit or lie down. Get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.