What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Alendronate comes as an orally-administered tablet and a solution (liquid).
The liquid is usually taken on an empty stomach once a week in the morning. The tablets is normally taken on an empty stomach once a day in the morning or once a week in the morning.
Alendronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to the following instructions. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You must take alendronate immediately after you get out of bed in the morning, and before you eat or drink anything. Never take alendronate at bedtime or before you get up for the day.
Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water, and drink at least a quarter of a cup (2 ounces) of plain water after drinking alendronate liquid. Never take alendronate with tea, coffee, juice, or any liquid other than plain water.
Swallow the tablets whole and do not split, chew, crush, or suck on them.
After you take alendronate, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down immediately after you take alendronate. It is advised that you sit or stand upright until at least 30 minutes have passed and you have eaten your first food of the day.
Please note that alendronate controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone, but does not cure these conditions. Additionally, this medicine also helps to prevent osteoporosis as long as it is taken regularly.
Continue to take alendronate even if you feel well, and do not stop taking alendronate without first talking to your doctor.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
In case of an emergency/overdose