Drug Name:Alendronate
Drug Class:Bisphosphonate
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to hydroxyapatite crystals in bone and inhibiting their dissolution
  • Decreases bone turnover, leading to increased bone mineral density
Use:
  • Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men
  • Treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
  • Paget's disease of bone
Side Effects:
  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea)
  • Esophageal irritation and ulceration
  • Musculoskeletal pain
  • Headache
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to alendronate or any component of the formulation
  • Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
  • Hypocalcemia
Specialty:
  • Endocrinology
  • Rheumatology
  • Geriatrics