Where is Alendronate Sodium used?

Alendronate Sodium is a prescription used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a type of bone loss in adults that causes the bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing this condition increases as you age, after menopause. This helps to rebuild bone and lessens the risk of spine and hip fractures.

This belongs to a family of non-hormonal medications called bisphosphonates. It is a synthetic analog of pyrophosphate that binds to the hydroxyapatite found in bone. Bisphosphonate acts as a specific inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. This is an FDA-approved prescription that can also be used for the treatment of Paget’s disease of bone.

How does Alendronate Sodium work?

Alendronate Sodium works by decelerating the progression of old bone being removed. It lets the bone-forming cells time to restore normal bone. This not only helps avoid the loss of bone but helps to rebuild bone well as this makes bone less possible to fracture. Consequently, this stops the progress of osteoporosis. This medication begins working on the bone cells promptly. However, a measurable result on bone mass might not be seen for quite a few months.

How is Alendronate Sodium taken?

The recommended dosage for this medication depends on your condition and response. Take this by mouth once a day with a full glass of water. Swallow it as a whole. Each dose is taken after getting up for the day and before taking your first food. Stay fully upright for at least 30 minutes. This only works on an empty stomach. Wait at least 1-2 hours after taking it before drinking or eating something. This is not prescribed to take at bedtime. Follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully.

To help you remember, take each dose at the same time each day. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of long-term use of this medication.

What are the possible side effects of Alendronate Sodium?

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Chest pain
• New or unusual pain in your thigh or hip
• Pain or difficulty when swallowing

What are the precautions in taking Alendronate Sodium?

• Before taking Alendronate Sodium, inform your doctor if you have any allergies, medical history, or current medications.
• Stop taking this medicine if you have pain when swallowing, new or worsening heartburn, and chest pain.
• It is important to tell your doctor if you ever had kidney disease, hypocalcemia, trouble swallowing, or problems with your digestion.
• Consult first a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you get pregnant while having treatment with this medicine, call your doctor right away.
• This is not recommended for use in children. This may cause severe side effects like fever, vomiting, or flu-like symptoms.
• Do not vitamins, soda, antacids, iron supplements, or calcium-enriched juices for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. Taking any of these may decrease the absorption of Alendronate Sodium.
• Keep this away from the heat and the reach of children.