About alendronic acid
Bisphosphonate bone-resorption inhibitor
Used for
- Treats and prevents osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
- Treats osteoporosis in men.
- Treats glucocorticoid-related osteoporosis.
- Treats Paget’s disease of bone.
Usual adult dose
Osteoporosis: 10 mg by mouth once daily, or 70 mg once weekly. Paget’s disease: 40 mg daily for six months.
Common side effects
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or constipation
- Muscle, joint, or bone pain
- Rarely, jawbone problems or unusual thigh fractures
Important warnings
- Take with plain water before food; remain upright for at least 30 minutes.
- Can irritate the oesophagus; avoid with swallowing problems or inability to sit upright.
- Not suitable with low blood calcium or severe kidney disease.
- Dental procedures and long-term use may increase rare jaw or thigh complications.
Pregnancy
Generally avoided; safety is not established. Seek specialist advice if exposure occurs.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended; whether it passes into breast milk is uncertain.
Interactions
- Calcium, antacids, and supplements reduce absorption; separate by at least 30 minutes.
- Food, drinks other than plain water, and other oral medicines reduce absorption.
- NSAIDs may increase stomach irritation.
- Medicines affecting kidney function may need review.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.