Alendronate Sodium

Osteoporosis, Osteoporosis, Postmenopause + 2 more
Treatment
5 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Alendronate Sodium

What is Alendronate Sodium

Alendronic acidThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAlendronic acid is a medication used to treat certain types of osteoporosis and Paget's disease. It helps protect bones from breaking down and keeps them strong.
Fosamaxis the brand name
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Alendronate Sodium Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Fosamax
Alendronic acid
1996
86

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Alendronic acid, also known as Fosamax, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses which include Osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid and Osteoporosis .
Osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid
Osteoporosis
Postmenopause
Osteoporosis
Paget’s Disease

Effectiveness

How Alendronate Sodium Affects PatientsAlendronic acid tablets have very little of the drug enter the body when taken orally. Most of it either enters soft tissue and bone or is eliminated from the body through urine. It does not change form when it is inside the body.
How Alendronate Sodium works in the bodyAlendronic acid works by binding to the hydroxyapatite in bones. This triggers a reaction that causes acidification and the release of alendronic acid into osteoclasts, which are specialized cells responsible for bone resorption. This acid then enters the cytosol of the osteoclasts and triggers apoptosis, which is a kind of cell death. This reduces the number of osteoclasts, which in turn decreases bone resorption and can be measured by looking at levels of calcium, deoxypyridinoline, and type I collagen found in the urine.

When to interrupt dosage

The advised dosage of Alendronate Sodium is contingent on the diagnosed condition, including Osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and Paget’s Disease. The amount of dosage also varies as per the mode of delivery, outlined in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Osteoporosis
70.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 7.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Postmenopause
70.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 7.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Paget’s Disease
70.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 7.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Osteoporosis
70.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 7.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
70.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 7.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral

Warnings

Alendronate Sodium has six contraindications, which means it should not be taken when any of the conditions given in the following table are present.Alendronate Sodium Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Esophageal Achalasia
Do Not Combine
Hypocalcemia
Do Not Combine
Aspiration
Do Not Combine
Esophagus
Do Not Combine
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Alendronic Acid may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Alendronate Sodium.
Common Alendronate Sodium Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Clodronic acid
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Alendronic acid is combined with Clodronic acid.
Etidronic acid
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Alendronic acid is combined with Etidronic acid.
Incadronic acid
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Alendronic acid is combined with Incadronic acid.
Tiludronic acid
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Alendronic acid is combined with Tiludronic acid.
Acipimox
Moderate
The risk or severity of myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and myoglobinuria can be increased when Alendronic acid is combined with Acipimox.
Alendronate Sodium Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking alendronic acid may cause abdominal pain, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, muscle pain, or nausea in up to 3% of patients. If someone takes too much alendronic acid, they should drink milk or take antacids to bind it and not induce vomiting. They may also experience low levels of calcium or phosphorous, or have problems in the upper digestive system. It is not known if alendronic acid is safe for pregnant women or for those who are breastfeeding. Studies have been done for use in children, however there was an increase in vomiting. There is no difference in
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Alendronate Sodium Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Alendronate Sodium?

At present, 50 active trials are conducting research to assess the potential of Alendronate Sodium in treating Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), Osteoporosis and Osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoids.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Osteoporosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Osteoporosis
34 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 3
Postmenopause
8 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
0 Actively Recruiting
Paget’s Disease
0 Actively Recruiting

Alendronate Sodium Reviews: What are patients saying about Alendronate Sodium?

5Patient Review
3/15/2014
Alendronate Sodium for Decreased Bone Mass Following Menopause
Alendronate has been a game-changer for me. I went from having constant, extreme pain in my knees and legs to only occasionally feeling discomfort.
3.3Patient Review
9/1/2019
Alendronate Sodium for Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis Prevention
I was confused by the dosing instructions on WebMD. It says to take this pill daily, but I believe that it is intended to be a weekly medication. This could be harmful to people if they follow the incorrect directions.
2Patient Review
8/7/2021
Alendronate Sodium for Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis Prevention
I was hesitant to try this treatment because of the reviews, but I'm glad I did. My lower back pain is gone and it's all natural!
1.7Patient Review
9/2/2014
Alendronate Sodium for Decreased Bone Mass Following Menopause
I was on this treatment for a few months, but I started having some severe side effects. Jaw pain, night sweats that were so bad my body would become cold even in hot weather. I stopped taking the medication for two months and the night sweats went away; however, as soon as I started taking it again they came back immediately. Has anyone else experienced this? If not, I don't think I can continue taking this medication because of how intolerable the night sweats are.
1.7Patient Review
8/21/2022
Alendronate Sodium for Decreased Bone Mass Following Menopause
I was taking this medication for osteoporosis, but stopped after three months due to the onset of pulsating pain in my left arm and increased sensitivity in my teeth. I'm not sure if the shoulder pain is related, but it's become a problem since I ceased taking the medication. My doctor says this is the only option covered by my insurance, but I'm afraid to continue taking it.
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about alendronate sodium

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is alendronate sodium used for?

"Feb 1, 2023

Alendronate is used to prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) in women after menopause, and to treat osteoporosis in both women and men. This medicine may also be used to prevent and treat osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicine)."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of alendronate sodium?

"Nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating or fullness in the stomach, change in ability to taste food, and headache may all be symptoms of a foodborne illness."

Answered by AI

How long should you take alendronate sodium tablets?

"Your doctor will consider your risk factors in determining whether you should continue to take bisphosphonates or other osteoporosis medications after the initial 3 to 5 year period."

Answered by AI

Why can't you lay down after taking alendronate sodium?

"It is important not to lie down immediately after taking alendronate, as doing so may cause the medication to come back up into the esophagus and cause damage. Instead, drink a full glass of water to help wash the medication down into the stomach."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Alendronate Sodium

Have you considered Alendronate Sodium clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Alendronate Sodium, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Alendronate Sodium clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Alendronate Sodium, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Alendronate Sodium clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Alendronate Sodium, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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