Alendronic Acid
About Alendronic Acid
Alendronic Acid belongs to the group of fortified bisphosphonates used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of the bone. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. Paget’s disease of the bone is a disorder in which the replacement of old bone cells by new bone cells is disrupted and dysregulated.
Alendronic Acid contains Alendronic acid, which promotes bone integrity by regulating bone cell turnover and preventing bone cell destruction by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts. Alendronic Acid strengthens bones, thereby reducing the risk of fractures.
Take Alendronic Acid as prescribed. In some cases, Alendronic Acid may cause side effects such as muscle or joint pain, nausea, indigestion, gas and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from any oesophageal disorders, jaw problems, peptic ulcer disease, kidney disease, low blood calcium, low Vitamin D, if you are a smoker or have had a history of smoking, or if you have been immobilised for some time and are unable to sit upright. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Alendronic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Alendronic Acid contains Alendronic acid, a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. It is used primarily to strengthen bones, joints, muscles and in the treatment of bone disease. Alendronic Acid works by preventing bone destruction and resorption, thereby retaining the normal density of bones. It slows down the activity of bone-destroying cells (osteoclasts), which tend to be in overdrive in case of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and Paget’s. Hence, Alendronic Acid is useful in strengthening and restoring the integrity and health of weak bones.
Directions for Use
Take it on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes before food or beverages, for better absorption or take it as advised by the doctor. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. Take it while sitting upright or standing. Try staying upright, and do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking it. Do not take it at bedtime or just before waking up.
Storage
Side Effects of Alendronic Acid
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Headache
Drug Warnings
Avoid taking Alendronic Acid if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you suffer from any oesophageal disorders, jaw problems, peptic ulcer disease, kidney disease, low blood calcium, low Vitamin D, digestive problems, hyperparathyroidism, cancer, mouth infection, are on chemotherapy or radiotherapy, if you smoke, or if you have been immobilised for some time and are unable to sit upright. Keep your doctor informed if you have recently had any surgery or are about to undergo surgery or a dental procedure. Offer a detailed medical history and inform the doctor, especially if you are on steroids, antacids, antibiotics like gentamycin or amikacin, calcium supplements, laxatives containing magnesium, aspirin or any painkillers. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Alendronic Acid may interact with calcium supplements, antacids (magnesium hydroxide, ranitidine, cimetidine, omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole), magnesium-containing laxatives (magnesium citrate), anti-cancer drugs (bevacizumab, thalidomide), steroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone), NSAIDs/painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen), antibiotics (gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin) and chelating agent (desferrioxamine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not take Alendronic Acid with mineral water, tea, coffee and juice.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Alendronic Acid should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, hypocalcemia, hypoparathyroidism, rickets, osteomalacia, kidney disease, cancer, peptic ulcer disease, oesophageal disorders like Barrett’s oesophagus and any disease-causing jaw pain.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol with Alendronic Acid as it may cause increased dizziness. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafeAlendronic Acid is not indicated in pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAlendronic Acid is not indicated in breastfeeding women. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionAlendronic Acid usually does not affect your ability to drive. However, in rare cases, it may cause dizziness, muscle or bone pain. So, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Alendronic Acid in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Alendronic Acid in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns. Alendronic Acid is not recommended for patients with renal impairment.
Children
unsafeAlendronic Acid is not recommended for use in children below. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Load up on Vitamin D rich foods such as oily fish, egg yolks, spinach, broccoli, salmon and orange juice to promote bone health.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Doing weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, tennis, or even dance can be very useful in promoting overall bone health. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired or suffer from severely brittle bones.
- Muscle training activities such as yoga and Pilates can also be very helpful.
- Spend time under the sun (however, with proper sunscreen) for quality intake of Vitamin D.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption and stop smoking as these may have a negative effect on bone health. Smokers tend to have lower bone density than non-smokers.
Special Advise
- In case you miss a dose of Alendronic Acid, skip it and resume when it is time for the second dose. Do not ever take a double dose.
- Sit upright or stand while taking Alendronic Acid.
- Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Alendronic Acid.
- If you accidentally take extra doses of Alendronic Acid, please inform your doctor or go to a hospital immediately. Some of the symptoms of an overdose can be toothache, jaw pain, feeling sick, dizziness, mood changes, ear pain, blurring of vision, headache.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a state in which the bones become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures. It is often brought about by disease and age (menopausal osteoporosis). In osteoporosis, the activity of bone-destroying cells surpasses the activity of bone-forming cells. Most people do not suffer from any symptoms until there’s a fracture and bones literally start to break.
Paget’s Disease of the Bone: Paget’s disease is a disorder in which bone remodelling and the equilibrium between bone-forming and bone-destroying cells is disrupted, causing more bone cells to be destroyed than it is produced. It is also called osteitis deformans because it may produce bone deformities. Paget’s disease may be silent and produce no symptoms, or it may cause deformity, pain, swelling and fractures in the affected area.
FAQs
Alendronic Acid is used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of the bone.
Alendronic Acid works by maintaining bone density. It helps in supporting bones and joints by inhibiting bone-destroying cells from being overactive.
Please see an orthopaedic doctor if you have had a fracture. Alendronic Acid is used in the case of osteoporosis and has limited use in the direct treatment of fractures as a fracture is more of surgical concern.
It usually takes one month for Alendronic Acid to start working. However, full benefits may take six months to one year to show.
Alendronic Acid can be taken with other medicines if prescribed by the doctor. However, maintaining a gap of 30minutes between Alendronic Acid and other medicines is advised.
Consult your doctor before taking NSAID's/pain killer medicines along with Alendronic Acid.
Alendronic Acid may cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. It is a bone disease in which there is a loss of blood to the bone. Maintain good oral hygiene, and have a regular dental check-up throughout the treatment with Alendronic Acid. Consult your dentist if you experience any problems such as loose teeth, swelling, or pain.
You can help keep your bones healthy by making some fundamental lifestyle changes, including eating food for strong bones (foods high in calcium and vitamin D), Getting vitamin D from sunlight, Exercising (walking and low-impact aerobics are suitable for your bones), Stopping smoking, and Cutting down on alcohol.
You'll usually take Alendronic Acid long term. Your doctor will then review your ongoing need for it. Your doctor will usually assess your risk of broken bones every 3 to 5 years. This may include tests to check your bones' strength (density). Depending on the results, you'll either keep taking Alendronic Acid, take a break from it or stop taking it completely.
The best time to take your medicine is usually 30 minutes before you have breakfast. Take it on an empty stomach. Alendronic Acid works best on an empty stomach because your body can absorb it properly.
Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it. It's important to follow the instructions for this medicine very carefully.
Alendronic Acid may cause has a side effect of causing hair loss. Consult your doctor if it persists.
Alendronic Acid is not indicated in pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
