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Indications

REMS


Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: atrial fibrillation

Derm: erythema, photosensitivity, rash

EENT: blurred vision, conjunctivitis, eye pain/inflammation

GI: abdominal distention, abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, dysphagia, esophageal cancer, esophageal ulcer, esophagitis, flatulence, gastritis, nausea, taste perversion, vomiting

MS: musculoskeletal pain, femur fractures, osteonecrosis (primarily of jaw)

Neuro: headache

Resp: asthma exacerbation

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Food:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

Treatment of Osteoporosis

Prevention of Osteoporosis

Paget's Disease

Treatment of Corticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis in Men and Women

US Brand Names

Binosto, Fosamax

Action

  • Inhibits resorption of bone by inhibiting osteoclast activity.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Reversal of the progression of osteoporosis with decreased fractures.
  • Decreased progression of Paget’s disease.

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: bone resorption inhibitors

Pharmacologic Classification: biphosphonates

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poorly absorbed (0.6–0.8%) after oral administration.

Distribution: Transiently distributes to soft tissue, then distributes to bone.

Metabolism/Excretion: Excreted in urine.

Half-Life: 10 yr (reflects release of drug from skeleton).

Time/Action Profile

(inhibition of bone resorption)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO1 mo3–6 mo3 wk–7 mo

After discontinuation of alendronate.



Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

a-LEN-drone-ate

Pill Image

alendronate_sodium_195-9165.jpg
alendronate_sodium_195-9166.jpg