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Alendronate is a prescription bisphosphonate medicine used for osteoporosis and selected bone disorders. It treats and prevents osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, increases bone mass in men with osteoporosis, treats glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in specified patients, and treats Paget's disease of bone. Oral tablets come in several strengths, with daily or weekly schedules depending on the indication.
read more about alendronate ...Alendronate concentrates at sites where bone is being broken down and inhibits osteoclast activity. Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption. Reducing their activity slows removal of bone tissue and shifts bone turnover toward greater preservation of bone mass. This action underlies alendronate treatment for osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone.
Alendronate is approved to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. It is also approved to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in specified adults, and treat Paget's disease of bone. The need for continued bisphosphonate therapy is reassessed periodically, especially in people at lower fracture risk.
Alendronate tablets are taken after getting up for the day, at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or other medicine. They are swallowed with a full glass of plain water. Patients remain upright for at least 30 minutes and until after their first food. These instructions improve absorption and reduce the risk of irritation or injury to the esophagus.
Alendronate can irritate the upper digestive tract and cause esophagitis, ulcers, or other esophageal injury. Other concerns include low blood calcium, severe bone or muscle pain, osteonecrosis of the jaw, and atypical femur fractures. It is contraindicated in certain esophageal disorders, hypocalcemia, inability to remain upright for 30 minutes, and hypersensitivity to the product.
Yes. Alendronate belongs to the bisphosphonate class and reduces bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity.
Not in every regimen. Osteoporosis treatment can use a 70 mg weekly tablet or a 10 mg daily tablet, depending on the prescription.
Remaining upright for at least 30 minutes helps the tablet reach the stomach and lowers the risk of esophageal irritation.
No. Tablets are taken with plain water. Food and beverages other than plain water reduce absorption when taken around the dose.
Alendronate. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601011.html. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
Alendronate. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526073/. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
DailyMed - FOSAMAX (alendronate sodium) Tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=14e931fd-2c5f-4d90-b7db-5980706f4a56. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
FOSAMAX (alendronate sodium) Medication Guide. https://www.organon.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/f/fosamax/fosamax_mg.pdf. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
FOSAMAX (alendronate sodium) Prescribing Information. https://www.organon.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/f/fosamax/fosamax_pi.pdf. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.