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
Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Treatment of men with osteoporosis
Treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (Fosamax)
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)
Unlabeled uses: Osteoporosis with spinal cord injury, vitamin D intoxication, hypercalcemia of malignancy; postoperative knee arthroplasty, osteogenesis imperfecta
Contraindications and Cautions
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).
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
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.
Men with osteoporosis: 10 mg/day PO or 70 mg tablet or effervescent tablet once a wk.
Prevention of osteoporosis: 5 mg/day PO or 35 mg PO once a wk. (Fosamax)
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