Alendronic Acid
Information
Uses
Alendronic Acid is used in the treatment of osteoporosis
How it works
Alendronic acid inhibits the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause loss of bone.
Common side effects
Headache, Abdominal distension, Acid reflux, Abdominal pain, Difficulty in swallowing, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Esophageal ulcer
Available Medicine
Expert advice
Take Alendronic acid after getting up for the day and before taking your morning tea, breakfast or any other medication. It needs to be taken empty stomach as food and other drinks interfere with the absorption of the medicine. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1-2 hours) after taking this medicine before taking any food or drink or medicine.
Do not swallow, chew, or suck on the tablet since this may cause mouth irritation or ulcers. You may dissolve the tablet in a glass of plain water before you take it or else take it with plenty of plain water. Stay fully upright (sitting, standing or walking) for at least thirty minutes after taking the medicine and don’t lie down until your first food of the day.
Alendronic acid may cause erosion or ulcer of the food pipe. Notify your doctor if you develop difficulty in swallowing or chest pain while taking this medicine,as this may be the early sign of erosion or ulceration of food pipe.
Before using Alendronic acid, notify your doctor if you have any medical condition, especially any disorder of food pipe, kidney disease, low calcium levels, stomach or intestinal problem (ulcer, heartburn), gum disease, planned dental extraction.
Notify your doctor if you develop pain in the jaw,usually after a dental procedure. The risk of jaw problems will increase with any dental infection or dental procedure. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups when taking this medicine.
Alendronic acid may cause transient flu-like syndrome, generally feeling unwell and sometimes fever usually at the start of the treatment.
Notify your doctor immediately if you are or become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Notify your doctor immediately if you are or become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Alendronic acid may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery as it can cause blurred vision, dizziness, and severe muscle and bone pain.
Notify your doctor if you develop thigh or groin pain.
Consider adding weight-bearing exercises as part of your exercise routine.
Frequently asked questions
Alendronic Acid
Q. Is alendronic acid safe/ dangerous/ a biphosphate/ a steroid/ vitamin D?
Alendronic acid belongs to class of medications called bisphosphonates. It is not a steroid or vitamin D. It is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor
Q. Can I take ibuprofen/ paracetamol with alendronic acid?
Avoid taking alendronic acid with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol as it increases the gastrointestinal related side effects
Q. Does alendronic acid affect your teeth?
Alendronic acid is not known to affect the teeth. However, bone damage in the jaw (osteonecrosis) generally associated with delayed healing and infection is known to occur following tooth extraction