Drug Name:Alendronic Acid
Drug Class:Bisphosphonate
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to hydroxyapatite crystals in bone and inhibiting their dissolution
  • Reduces bone turnover and increases bone mineral density
Use:
  • Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
  • Treatment of osteoporosis in men
  • Treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
  • Paget's disease of bone
Side Effects:
  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia)
  • Esophageal irritation and ulceration
  • Musculoskeletal pain
  • Headache
  • Hypocalcemia
  • Osteonecrosis of the jaw
  • Atypical femoral fractures
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to alendronic acid or any component of the formulation
  • Abnormalities of the esophagus that delay esophageal emptying (e.g. stricture or achalasia)
  • Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
  • Hypocalcemia
  • Severe renal impairment
Specialty:
  • Endocrinology
  • Rheumatology
  • Geriatrics