Alendronate (Fosamax)

Category:

  • Miscellaneous

Description:

  • Bone resorption inhibitor, antiosteoporotic

Indications:

  • Treatment and prophylaxis of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

  • Paget’s disease of the bone

Contraindications:

  • Hypocalcemia, esophageal abnormalities, delayed esophageal emptying

  • Patient unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after administration

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category C

  • CrCl < 35 ml/min

  • Uncorrected mineral deficiencies (i.e. calcium, vitamin D)

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • CNS: headache

  • GI: abdominal distention, abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, dysphagia, esophageal ulcer, flatulence, gastritis

  • METAB: hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia

  • MS: musculoskeletal pain

  • SKIN: erythema, rash

  • MISC: drug fever

Dosage:

Administered orally (tablet)

Adult:

  • Osteoporosis (prophylaxis): 

    • PO 5mg daily

  • Osteoporosis (treatment): 

    • PO 10mg daily

  • Paget’s disease: PO 40mg daily for 6 months

Note: 

  • Patients should take medication upon rising in the morning, with a full glass of water on an empty stomach

  • Remain upright for at least 30 minutes.  

  • Do not eat for at least 30-60 minutes after the dose.

 

 

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
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2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
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