Alendronate

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 25/07/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Alendronate

CHINESE NAME: 阿侖膦酸

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Fosamax 福善美, Osteofos

DRUG CLASS: Antiresorptive agents

SUB CLASS: Bisphosphonates

USED FOR: Paget’s disease, Osteoporosis, Bone diseases

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 10 mg, 70 mg (tablets)

What is Alendronate for?

Alendronate belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonate antiresorptive agents to slow down the rate of bone resorption, meaning the bone mineral density indirectly increases. Alendronate is used for Paget’s disease, osteoporosis and bone diseases.

How to use it?

Alendronate is taken as oral tablets. It is administered in the morning at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink, unless it is water, while sitting upright. Do not chew, crush, or divide the tablet and swallow as a whole.

Prophylaxis of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Adult and elderly
5 mg once daily or 35 mg once weekly.

Osteoporosis
Adult and elderly
10 mg once daily or 70 mg once weekly.

Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis
Adult and elderly
5 mg once daily or 10 mg once daily for postmenopausal women not receiving hormone replacement therapy.

Paget’s disease
Adult and elderly
40 mg once daily for 6 months or longer depending on the response.

What are the side effects of Alendronate?

Common side effects of Alendronate include decreased serum phosphate, abdominal pain, flatulence, constipation, oesophageal reactions, headache and muscle pain.

Who should not take Alendronate?

– People allergic to Alendronate or any component of the formulation.
– Patients with hypocalcemia.
– Patients with abnormalities of the oesophagus which delay oesophageal emptying.
– Patients who are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.

Pharmacist Tips:

– Must be taken in the morning at least 30 minutes before the first food or beverage unless it is water.
– Must be taken while standing or sitting upright, for at least 30 minutes.
– Prevent falling and use devices that stabilize yourself in your home.
– Ensure an adequate uptake of calcium and vitamin D.
– Ensure adequate exercise.

Common dosing schedule:
The oral tablet is taken once daily or weekly in the morning at least 30 minutes before the first food or beverage unless it is water while sitting upright.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Alendronate may interact with:
– Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory agents, e.g. Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Aspirin
– Proton pump inhibitors, e.g. Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole
– Aminoglycosides, e.g. Gentamicin, Amikacin, Neomycin
– Polyvalent cation containing products, e.g. Calcium, Iron, Magnesium
– Angiogenesis inhibitors, e.g. Bevacizumab, Everolimus, Lenalidomide

Alendronate may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Alendronate in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Alendronate is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Alendronate in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.