About alendronic acid
Bisphosphonate bone-resorption inhibitor
Used for
- Treats osteoporosis after menopause and in men.
- Treats osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use.
- Prevents osteoporosis after menopause.
Usual adult dose
For osteoporosis treatment or prevention: 70 mg by mouth once weekly.
Common side effects
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Muscle, joint, or bone pain
- Rarely, jawbone problems or unusual thigh fractures
Important warnings
- Take with plain water before food or other medicines; remain upright for at least 30 minutes.
- Can irritate the esophagus; avoid with swallowing problems or inability to sit or stand upright.
- Not suitable with low blood calcium; correct calcium deficiency before treatment.
- Jawbone problems and unusual thigh fractures are rare, especially with prolonged use.
Pregnancy
Not generally recommended; human pregnancy information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Unknown whether alendronate enters breast milk; use during breastfeeding is generally avoided.
Interactions
- Calcium, antacids, and iron reduce absorption; separate by at least 30 minutes.
- Food, coffee, and other drinks reduce absorption; take only with plain water.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may increase stomach irritation.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.