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MUSCULO-SKELETAL SYSTEM › DRUGS FOR TREATMENT OF BONE DISEASES › DRUGS AFFECTING BONE STRUCTURE AND MINERALIZATION › Bisphosphonates
alendronic acid
M05BA04
Forms & Strengths
- Tablet: 5mg, 10mg, 35mg, 40mg, 70mg
- Solution for injection: 15mg/1.5ml, 30mg/3ml, 60mg/6ml, 90mg/9ml
Adult Dosing
- Osteoporosis treatment: 70mg once weekly or 10mg once daily
- Paget's disease treatment: 40mg once daily for 6 months
- Osteoporosis prevention: 35mg once weekly or 5mg once daily
Pediatric Dosing
- Not recommended for patients under 18 years old
- Juvenile osteoporosis treatment: safety and efficacy not established
Indications
- Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Treatment of osteoporosis in men
- Treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
- Treatment of Paget's disease
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption
- Acts as a bisphosphonate, binding to hydroxyapatite found in bone
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to alendronic acid or other bisphosphonates
- Abnormalities of esophagus
- Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
Adverse Reactions
- Hypocalcemia
- Upper gastrointestinal irritation
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw
Drug Interactions
- Aspirin and other NSAIDs increase risk of gastrointestinal irritation
- Calcium supplements and antacids reduce alendronic acid absorption
- Aminoglycosides increase risk of hypocalcemia
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use