ALENDRONIC ACID + CHOLECALCIFEROL

Alendronic acid is a drug that belongs to a class of medicines known as bisphosphonates. It acts by inhibiting bone resorption which is mediated by osteoclasts, further leading to increase in bone mineral density.

Cholecalciferol is a substance that is produced by the skin that results from the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to split (seco) sterol previt D3 and subsequently colecalciferol (vit D3) through ultraviolet light. Vitamin D3 is the natural precursor of1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or calcitriol, which in turn mobilizes calcium in the bones. Calcitriol increases the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and also acts to regulate bone formation and bone resorption.

Uses

Alendronic Acid + Cholecalciferol is use in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.

Warnings

Alendronic Acid + Cholecalciferol should not be given to those with hypersensitivity to bisphosphonates and vitamin D derivatives. It should also not be given to people with low blood calcium levels (hypocalcaemia), as well as those with abnormalities in the oesophagus as well as those with an inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.

Side Effects

Alendronic Acid + Cholecalciferol can bring about the following side effects:

Abdominal pain
Dyspepsia
Oesophageal ulcer
Dysphagia
Abdominal distension
Acid regurgitation
Diaphyseal and subtrochanteric femur fracture
Severe muscle, bone and joint pain
Upper gastrointestinal mucosa irritation
Osteonecrosis of the jaw
Oesophageal cancer
Headache
Dizziness
Vertigo
Alopecia
Pruritus
Asthenia
Peripheral oedema

Precautions

Precautions

Take extra caution in patients with the following conditions:

Underlying upper gastrointestinal disease
Vitamin D deficiency
Hypocalcaemia
Diseases associated with unregulated production of calcitriol (e.g. leukaemia, lymphoma, sarcoidosis)
Liver and kidney impairment
Pregnancy and lactation

Interactions

Alendronic Acid + Cholecalciferol may interact with the following medicines:

NSAIDs
Antacids
Calcium salts
Mineral oil
Orlistat
Cholestyramine
Colestipol
Anticonvulsants
Cimetidine
Thiazide diuretics

Overdose & Brands

Signs and symptoms of alendronate overdose include the following:

Heartburn
Gastritis
Ulcer
Upset
Stomach
Esophagitis
Hypocalcaemia
Hypophosphataemia

If you think you may have overdosed, seek medical help immediately.

Available Brands:

Fosavance
Fosdin