Alendronate is a product made by Apotex and distributed in Canada. It is a prescription medication to treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures. According to Apotex, alendronate prevents bone loss in men and postmenopausal women and has shown to contain some bone rebuilding properties. Alendronate comes in 5 and 10 mg pills. Alendronate is not recommended for individuals with kidney or esophageal issues or low blood calcium. Consult with a physician if any of these issues are present prior to taking alendronate.
Alendronate Sodium
Drugs.com lists alendronate sodium as the active ingredient in alendronate. Alendronate sodium is a bisphosphonate that inhibits resorption of osteoclast-mediated bone. Kurt Kennel, M.D., an endocrinology specialist at Mayo Clinic states that bisphosphonates work by slowing down bone loss. Bones break down and rebuild throughout life; however, the process increases in older adults and especially women in menopause due to lower estrogen levels. Bones do not rebuild in osteoporosis and fractures can occur. Bisphosphonates are synthetic versions of pyrophosphate, a chemical compound that binds to hydroxyapatite, a mineral that gives bones and teeth rigidness and strength. Bisphosphonates are used in osteoporosis treatment rather than hormones, as they safer. However, the National Institutes of Health notes that there is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning stating that there is not enough research or conclusive data confirming that biosphosphonates reduce fractures due to osteoporosis.
Inactive Ingredients
Since there is only active ingredient in alendronate, the other ingredients used are inactive and usually for tableting purposes only. Tableting agents help create the tablet and some are also lubricants to aid in manufacturing.
The additional ingredients listed for alendronate are magnesium stearate, mannitol and microcrystalline cellulose.
Magnesium stearate is a binder used to hold all the ingredients together. Microcrystalline cellulose is a naturally occurring material used to manufacturer solid tablets. Microcrystalline cellulose is a strong binding material made from wood pulp. While listed on the inactive ingredient list, mannitol is, according to Drugs.com, a diuretic that increases the amount of fluid removed from the kidneys.
Side Effects
Mild side effects from alendronate can include mild to moderate nausea or vomiting. Moderate to severe side effects can include esophageal irritation when swallowing the pill if not taken with a full glass of water. This irritation can also lead to heartburn or chest pain. Allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to bisphosphonates or any of the inactive ingredients in alendronate. Rash, hives or swelling of tongue or lips indicate an allergy and a physician must be consulted immediately if they occur. Other rare side effects can include low blood calcium that causes tingling or numbness around the mouth or in the feet or hands. Peptic ulcers have also occurred as a result of alendronate use.
