Alendronate sodium is a bisphosphonate indicated for Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women or Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
Usage
You need to stay fully upright — meaning your upper body is vertical enough that gravity helps the tablet move down and prevents it from lingering in the esophagus.
Standing:
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Guarantees full upright posture
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Minimizes the chance of slouching
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Often recommended simply because it's the safest default
Safe types of movement
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Walking around your home
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Light stretching while standing
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Gentle standing exercises (arm circles, slow marches, posture work)
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Household tasks like tidying or preparing breakfast
Sitting upright:
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Equally effective as long as your back is straight
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Your torso must not be reclined
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Feet on the floor, no leaning back
For patients at low-risk for fracture, consider drug discontinuation after 3 to 5 years of use.
You should not take alendronate if you have problems with your esophagus, or low levels of calcium in your blood.
Side effects
Most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 3%) are abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, musculoskeletal pain, nausea.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
Alendronate sodium is a bisphosphonate that acts as a specific inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate that bind to the hydroxyapatite found in bone.
Half-Life Elimination