Alendronate and Cholecalciferol

Drugs affecting Bone Metabolism · Bisphosphonate/Vitamin D analogue

Indications

Treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis to reduce risk of vertebral and hip fractures.

Dosage

Adults: Prevention of post-menopausal osteoporosis: 1 tab once weekly. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Oesophageal ulcer, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dysphagia, abdominal distension, musculoskeletal pain, headache. Rarely, rash angioedema, oesophageal stricture, oropharyngeal ulceration, uveitis.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Renal impairment with GFR <35 mL/min. Oesophageal abnormalities, stricture, achalasia or inability to remain upright for 30 min after dosing. Hypocalcaemia. Precautions: Upper GI disorders. Treat hypocalcaemia or vitamin D deficiency first.

Interactions

Calcium supplement, antacids, NSAID.

Advice to Patient

Take with a full glass of water atleast 30 minutes before the first meal of the day and remain in an upright position for atleast another 30 minutes. Do not chew or crush tablets, swallow whole. Do not take at bedtime. Do not take with mineral water, coffee, tea, soda or juice. If you miss a dose, take the missed dose next morning and then return to normal schedule. Do not take two doses in one day. Contact prescriber if you experience unrelieved abdominal upset, abdominal pain, acidity or acute headache. Limit alcohol intake and smoking.

Pharmacokinetics

ALENDRONATE: Metabolism: None. Bioavailability: Fasting: Children =4 years and adolescents: Mean range: 0.41% to 0.56%. Adults: 0.6%; reduced up to 60% with coffee or orange juice. Half-life elimination: Exceeds 10 years. Excretion: Urine; feces (as unabsorbed drug). CHOLECALCIFEROL: Absorption: Readily absorbed from the small intestine. Metabolism: Hepatic, renal. Half-life elimination: Approx. 50 days. Time to peak, plasma: 7 days. Excretion: Bile. Faeces.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.