alendronate and cholecalciferol

Action and Spectrum

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Adverse drug reactions:   

Frequency not defined 

Severe joint  

Worsening heartburn  

Jaw pain  

Numbness, or swelling  

Stomach upset;  

Diarrhea  

Gas  

Constipation  

Mild joint  

Back pain  

Headache.  

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: C 

Lactation: 

Excreted into human milk is Unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:       

Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.       

Category B: No evidence shown of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women       

Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a result in humans must take care of potential risks in pregnant women       

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.       

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.       

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Adminstartion

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient Information Leaflet    

Generic Name: alendronate and cholecalciferol 

Why do we use alendronate and cholecalciferol? 

alendronate and cholecalciferol combination are used in the treatment of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and increased risk of fractures.

The combination of alendronate and cholecalciferol is often prescribed because it addresses two important aspects of osteoporosis treatment:

• Bone Density Maintenance: alendronate helps to reduce bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast activity. This helps to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
• Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation: cholecalciferol, as a form of vitamin D, helps to ensure adequate levels of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is necessary for optimal calcium absorption from the intestines and its utilization in bone formation. Calcium is a vital mineral for bone health, and vitamin D helps in its absorption and incorporation into the bones.

By combining alendronate and cholecalciferol, the treatment aims to reduce bone resorption and enhance bone density while ensuring sufficient levels of vitamin D for proper calcium utilization.