Tablets
To prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Alendronate also treats glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in those receiving corticosteroids in a daily dosage equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone and who have low bone mineral density. Also used to treat Paget's disease, a disorder characterized by rapid breakdown and reformation of bone, which can lead to fragility and malformation of bones.
Healthy bones are continuously remodeled (broken down and then reformed); the minerals and other components of bones are reabsorbed by one set of cells (osteoclasts) and replaced by another set of cells to form new bone. Alendronate suppresses the activity of osteoclasts; consequently, the breakdown of bone tissue occurs more slowly than the laying down of new bone. This action preserves bone density and strength.
For prevention of osteoporosis: 5 mg once a day. For treatment of osteoporosis: 10 mg once a day. For glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women: 5 mg once a day; postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen should take 10 mg once a day. For Paget's disease: 40 mg once a day. The dose is taken in the morning. Swallow tablets whole; do not suck or chew them. Do not lie down for 30 minutes following your dosage. The tablet must be taken with an 8 oz glass of water at least 30 minutes before any food or other medication.
Within two hours.
24 hours.
Take alendronate at least 30 minutes before your first food or beverage of the day, with a full glass of water. Some patients may be advised to take calcium or vitamin C supplements to aid in the formation of new bone tissue.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose.
The decision to stop taking the drug should be made by your doctor. In most cases, patients with Paget's disease are treated for six months; the drug is then stopped. Retreatment may be necessary if such patients show signs of relapse after a subsequent six-month observation period.
No special precautions.
No special problems are expected.
Alendronate should not interfere with your ability to engage in such activities safely.
Alcohol should be restricted in high-risk women because it is a risk factor for osteoporosis.
Alendronate is normally not used in premenopausal women. The drug should not be given to pregnant women because animal studies have shown adverse effects in the fetus.
Alendronate may pass into breast milk; caution is advised. Consult your doctor for specific advice.
Use not recommended for infants and children.
Patients taking alendronate are encouraged to engage in regular weight-bearing exercise and should avoid cigarettes and limit alcohol, which inhibit healthy bone production.
Severe heartburn, stomach cramps, or throat irritation might occur if an overdose disturbs the body's normal mineral (electrolyte) balance.
Few alendronate overdoses have been reported. However, if someone takes a much larger dose than prescribed, call your doctor or the nearest poison control center.