What Is Alendronate?

Alendronate is a drug that regulates bone growth. It's prescribed to both men and women who have osteoporosis, Paget's disease or other conditions which causes weak, fragile bones and/or bone loss. It's often prescribed to post-menopausal women as an osteoporosis preventative. Alendronate works to strengthen bones and to retard the degeneration of bone mass by binding to the bones. The drug contains Vitamin D and can only be obtained through a prescription. It comes in both liquid and tablet form.

Dosage Guidelines

• The dosage strength that is prescribed will vary from patient to patient, as will the number of doses that are taken each day, and the time between each dosage. Individuals should read all literature that comes with the medication and follow the doctor's orders. Individuals should not change their dosage without consulting their prescribing physician. If a dosage is missed, it should be skipped. Individuals who experience trouble swallowing, or experience pain when eating or drinking, or who develop severe heartburn or pain behind the breastbone should stop taking the medication immediately and contact their doctor.

Usage Guidelines

• Individuals who are prescribed alendronate in tablet form should take it on an empty stomach and immediately consume a 6 to 8 oz. glass of water. Tablets should never be broken, chewed, kept in the mouth to dissolve, or dissolved in a glass of water and consumed. Individuals taking the liquid form of alendronate should take it on an empty stomach and follow it up with a minimum of 2 oz. of water. Whether alendronate is taken in tablet or liquid form, individuals taking the medication should not lie down for at least half an hour after taking the drug. This is advised so the medication can reach the stomach faster and so that esophagus irritation is avoided. Food and drinks should be avoided for a minimum of 30 minutes after taking the drug as they can reduce the amount of alendronate that is absorbed by the body.

Side Effects

• The side effects of alendronate can include abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, acid reflux/heartburn, esophagus pain and irritation, muscle, joint and bone pain, skin rash, a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, loosening of teeth, numbness in the jaw and mouth, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, headache and nausea.

Considerations

• Individuals who are on special diets because of medical conditions should let their prescribing physicians know before they are prescribed alendronate. Physicians may need to alter the eating habits and/or dosage instructions for individuals who are on low-sugar or low-sodium diets.

Warning

• Individuals should report all pre-existing health conditions to the physician who is prescribing alendronate. There are some health conditions which may affect how this medication interacts with the human body including anemia, cancer, poor oral hygiene or dental problems, digestive/stomach/intestine disorders or issues, blood clotting problems, kidney problems, esophagus problems and/or trouble swallowing. People with any of these conditions as well as individuals who have a vitamin D deficiency may not be good candidates for alendronate. Individuals who are unable to stand or sit upright on their own for at least half an hour should not be prescribed the medication at all.