Alendronate Sodium(ah len’ dro nate)
Binosto, Co-Alendronate (CAN), Fosamax, Novo-Alendronate (CAN), PMS-Alendronate (CAN), ratio-Alendronate (CAN)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Bisphosphonate
Calcium regulator
Therapeutic Actions
Slows normal and abnormal bone resorption without inhibiting bone formation and mineralization.
Indications
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Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
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Treatment of men with osteoporosis
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Treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (Fosamax)
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Treatment of Paget’s disease of bone in patients with alkaline phosphatase at least two times upper limit of normal, those who are symptomatic, those at risk for future complications (Fosamax)
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Unlabeled uses: Osteoporosis with spinal cord injury, vitamin D intoxication, hypercalcemia of malignancy; postoperative knee arthroplasty, osteogenesis imperfecta
Contraindications and Cautions
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Contraindicated with allergy to bisphosphonates, hypocalcemia, esophageal abnormalities, inability to stay upright for at least 30 min, and in those at risk for aspiration (oral solution).
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Use cautiously with renal impairment, upper GI disease, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Tablets—5, 10, 35, 40, 70 mg; effervescent tablet—70 mg
Dosages
Adults
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Postmenopausal osteoporosis: 10 mg/day PO (Fosamax) in AM with full glass of water, at least 30 min before the first beverage, food, or medication of the day, or 70 mg PO once a wk or one bottle of 70 mg oral solution once a wk. Avoid lying down for 30 min after taking drug.
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Men with osteoporosis: 10 mg/day PO or 70 mg tablet or effervescent tablet once a wk.
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Prevention of osteoporosis: 5 mg/day PO or 35 mg PO once a wk. (Fosamax)
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