- Class
- Bisphosphonates
- Body system
- Bone and joint
- Brand names
- Fosamax, Binosto
What is Alendronate used for?
- Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Osteoporosis in men and from long-term corticosteroids
- Paget disease of bone
How Alendronate works
Bisphosphonate: slows the bone breakdown done by osteoclasts and increases bone density.
Common side effects
- Heartburn and esophageal irritation
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle, bone and joint pain
Report right away
- Pain or trouble swallowing, chest pain or new heartburn
- Jaw pain, swelling or a loose tooth (osteonecrosis of the jaw)
- New thigh or groin pain (atypical femur fracture)
Nursing considerations for Alendronate
- Correct low calcium before starting and make sure calcium and vitamin D intake is adequate.
- Contraindicated in esophageal abnormalities and in patients who cannot sit or stand upright for 30 minutes.
- A dental exam is advised before starting in patients with risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Patient teaching
- Take it first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 oz) of plain water only.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than water, or taking other medicines.
- Stay upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after your first food of the day.
- Weekly tablets are taken on the same day each week.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Bisphosphonates practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Alendronate belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
-
Which statement shows the patient understands alendronate teaching?
Show answer
Answer D: I take it in the morning with plain water and stay upright for 30 minutes Alendronate must be taken with plain water on an empty stomach, upright, to avoid esophageal injury and ensure absorption.
-
Which suffix identifies a bisphosphonate?
Show answer
Answer C: -dronate Bisphosphonates end in -dronate (alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate); zoledronic acid is an exception.
-
A patient on alendronate reports new jaw pain and a loose tooth. What should the nurse suspect?
Show answer
Answer A: Osteonecrosis of the jaw Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare but serious adverse effect of bisphosphonates.
Frequently asked questions
What is Alendronate used for?
Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women; Osteoporosis in men and from long-term corticosteroids; Paget disease of bone.
What drug class is Alendronate?
Alendronate belongs to the class bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonate: slows the bone breakdown done by osteoclasts and increases bone density.
What are the nursing considerations for Alendronate?
Correct low calcium before starting and make sure calcium and vitamin D intake is adequate. Contraindicated in esophageal abnormalities and in patients who cannot sit or stand upright for 30 minutes.
What should patients report while taking Alendronate?
pain or trouble swallowing, chest pain or new heartburn; jaw pain, swelling or a loose tooth (osteonecrosis of the jaw); new thigh or groin pain (atypical femur fracture).