Alendronic acid
Bisphosphonate
Table of contents
**Updates**
We updated this drug summary on 10th of September 2024, removed 'Snippets at a glance', removed TLDR section, added simple definitions, and condensed longer paragraphs into summary points to improve readability.
What is alendronic acid used for?
Alendronic acid is a bisphosphonate drug that stops bone loss and helps make bones strong again.
It treats osteoporosis in women after menopause, making bones less likely to break.
Bisphosphonates - Drugs that slow down bone loss.
Osteoporosis - A problem where bones get weak and can break easily, common after menopause.
What is the mechanism of action of alendronic acid?
Osteoclasts - Cells that break down bone to help keep bones healthy.
Bone resorption - The process of breaking down bone tissue.
What are the contraindications of alendronic acid?
Not being able to stand or sit up for 30 minutes, which is needed to make sure medicine works its way down into the stomach without getting stuck along the way.
Low blood calcium levels, which must be fixed before starting alendronic acid.
Oesophagus - The tube that takes food from your mouth to your stomach.
Important alendronic acid prescribing safety information.
Alendronic acid can irritate the stomach and oesophagus, which can increase the risk of ulcers.
Long-term use may cause unusual leg bone breaks, so reviewing treatment periodically and considering a pause from taking the drug is advised.
Irritate - To make something feel sore or hurt.
Osteonecrosis - When bone tissue dies because it doesn't get enough blood.
Alendronic acid patient counselling advice.
Alendronic acid can cause unusual leg bone breaks. Encourage patients to
speak with their doctor if they have pain in the thigh, hip, or groin.Absorb - How the body takes medicine from the stomach.
References
References
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6. Rizzoli, R., Reginster, J.-Y., Boonen, S., Bréart, G., Diez-Perez, A., Felsenberg, D., Kaufman, J.-M., Kanis, J.A. and Cooper, C. (2011). Adverse Reactions and Drug–Drug Interactions in the Management of Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. Calcified Tissue International, 89(2), pp.91–104. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-011-9499-8. Link
7. Xiao, Y., Chen, Y., Huang, Y. and Xiao, Y. (2023). Atypical Femur Fracture Associated with Common anti-osteoporosis Drugs in FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. Scientific Reports, [online] 13(1), p.10892. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-37944-x. Link