Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones gradually become weaker and brittle as they are broken down over time. Post-menopausal women are especially at risk of developing osteoporosis, which can lead to easy fracturing of the bones. Alendronate is a medication that can be used to slow the effects of osteoporosis.
Uses
Alendronate is a medication that can be used to inhibit the breakdown of bone. As a result, it is often used to treat osteoporosis both in men and women, according to the National Institutes of Health publication Medline Plus. Alendronate can also be used to treat a condition known as Paget's disease of the bone, which is a genetic disorder marked by the bones being unusually soft and easily broken.
Mechanism
Alendronate belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates, according to Alendronate.org. Bisphosphonates are similar in structure to a compound involved in bone regulation called pyrophosphate. Alendronate can bind to the outside surface of the bones and inhibit the activity of a type of cell called an osteoclast, which is involved in breaking down bone mineral. By blocking bone breakdown, alendronate can help keep bones from getting weak.
Administration
Alendronate is available in tablet and liquid form, according to Alendronate.org. Both forms are to be taken daily. Patients should avoid eating for 30 minutes after taking alendronate because the medication does not get absorbed well when taken with food. Five milligrams per day is the standard dose to prevent osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis typically take between 5 and 10 mg per day. Alendronate can be taken at doses of 40 or more milligrams per day for patients with Paget's disease.
Pharmacology
Alendronate has relatively poor bioavailability, meaning that relatively little of it is absorbed by the digestive tract and available for use by the body. Alendronate.org explains that between 1 and 5 percent of all alendronate taken orally gets used by the body. Approximately 80 percent of the alendronate that gets into the blood is eliminated by the kidneys, with the other 20 percent going to the bones. When alendronate binds to the bones it remains bound and is not broken down.
Side Effects
Alendronate use, according to Drugs.com, can lead to a number of side effects that affect the digestive system, including diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Some patients may also experience joint or muscle pain as well a dizziness, a headache and changes in taste.
