Alendronic Acid + Vitamin D3

Generic Details

Generic Name

Alendronic Acid with Vitamin D3

Other Names

  • Alendronate with Colecalciferol

Drug Class

  • Bisphosphonate
  • Vitamin D Supplement

Chemical Formula

Molecular Weight

Mechanism of Action

  • Alendronic acid inhibits bone resorption by osteoclasts
  • Vitamin D3 promotes calcium absorption in the intestines

Indications

  • Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
  • Prevention of osteoporosis in patients at risk of Vitamin D deficiency

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • Alendronic Acid 70mg with Vitamin D3 5600 IU once weekly

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not recommended for use in children

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dosing adjustments may be required based on renal function in elderly patients

Side Effects

  • Digestive issues (nausea, abdominal pain)
  • Musculoskeletal pain
  • Headache
  • Hypersensitivity reactions

Contraindications

  • Hypocalcemia
  • Esophageal abnormalities that delay esophageal emptying
  • Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out

Lactation Safety

  • Not recommended for use while breastfeeding

Drug Interactions

  • Chelating agents such as antacids, calcium, and iron may interfere with the absorption of alendronic acid

Overdose Symptoms

  • Hypocalcemia
  • Hypophosphatemia

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, treatment is supportive

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Alendronic acid: Poor oral bioavailability, less than 1%; Vitamin D3: Well absorbed in the gut
  • Distribution: Alendronic acid: Distributes to bone tissues; Vitamin D3: Binds to vitamin D binding protein
  • Metabolism: Alendronic acid: Not metabolized extensively; Vitamin D3: Metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Alendronic acid: Excreted unchanged through the kidneys; Vitamin D3: Excreted in bile and urine

Precautions

  • Renal impairment
  • Dental health - may cause jaw problems
  • Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D

Warnings

  • Esophageal adverse effects (ulceration, stricture, or perforation)
  • Hypocalcemia risk