Bisphosphonates - Alendronate Flashcards
1
Q
What is alendronate (bisphosphonate) used for?
A
- treatment of osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women.
- paget’s disease
2
Q
How does alendronate work?
A
It inhibits bone reabsorbtion by osteoclasts - this strengthens it by increasing bone density thereby decreasing fractures.
3
Q
What is the role of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in bone remodelling?
A
Osteoblasts make bone.
Osteoclasts reabsorb bone
4
Q
What groups of patients is alendronate contra-indicated in?
A
- decreased renal function
- oesophageal motility disorders
- peptic ulcer disease
5
Q
What are the side effects of alendronate?
A
GI upset:
- heart burn
- abdo pain
- diarrh / const
- bloody stool
headache
Muscle/joint pain
6
Q
What are the interactions of alendronate?
A
- avoid dairy food
- calcium supp, antacids, aspirin
