Alendronic acid

Alendronic acid, a bisphosphonate, influences bone metabolism to prevent bone loss in conditions like osteoporosis. This bone-protection treatment reduces the occurrence of vertebral, non-vertebral, and hip fractures.

Adult

For treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: 10 mg daily by mouth, or 70 mg once weekly by mouth. For treatment of osteoporosis in men: 10 mg daily by mouth. For prevention and treatment of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis in postmenopausal women not receiving hormone replacement therapy: 10 mg daily by mouth.

Renal adjustment

Avoid if eGFR less than 35 mL/minute/1.73 m2.

Geriatric

Prescription potentially inappropriate in patients with a current or recent history of upper gastrointestinal disease or bleeding due to risk of relapse/exacerbation of oesophagitis, oesophageal ulcer, or oesophageal stricture.

• Abnormalities of oesophagus
• Hypocalcaemia
• Other factors which delay oesophageal emptying (e.g., stricture or achalasia)