ALENDRONATE

Question 1

Drug class

Answer 1

bisphosphonate

Question 2

How does it work? (4)

Answer 2

1. reduces bone turnover
2. by inhibiting the action of osteoclasts
3. osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption
4. reduces bone loss and improvement in bone mass

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

osteoporotic fragility fractures

Question 4

Contra-indications (3)

Answer 4

1. renal impairment
2. hypocalcaemia
3. smokers and dental disease

Question 5

What happens if alendronate is given to smokers or people with dental disease?

Answer 5

risk of jaw osteonecrosis

Question 6

What is contra-indicated with people with active upper GI disorder?

Answer 6

oral administration

Question 7

Side effects (4)

Answer 7

1. hypophosphataemia
2. osteonecrosis of jaw
3. atypical femoral fracture

Orally

4. oesophagitis

Question 8

Interactions (4)

Answer 8

1. calcium

reduced uptake with

2. calcium salts e.g. milk
3. antacids
4. iron salts

Question 9

Elimination

Answer 9

kidneys