Alendronate (Alendronate Sodium) - Drug Interactions, Contraindications, Overdosage, etc

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Calcium Supplements/Antacids

Co-administration of Alendronate and calcium, antacids, or oral medications containing multivalent cations will interfere with absorption of Alendronate. Therefore, patients must wait at least one-half hour after taking Alendronate before taking any other oral medications.

Aspirin

In clinical studies, the incidence of upper gastrointestinal adverse events was increased in patients receiving concomitant therapy with daily doses of Alendronate greater than 10 mg and aspirin-containing products.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Alendronate may be administered to patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In a 3-year, controlled, clinical study (n=2027) during which a majority of patients received concomitant NSAIDs, the incidence of upper gastrointestinal adverse events was similar in patients taking Alendronate 5 mg or 10 mg/day compared to those taking placebo. However, since NSAID use is associated with gastrointestinal irritation, caution should be used during concomitant use with Alendronate.

OVERDOSAGE

Significant lethality after single oral doses was seen in female rats and mice at 552 mg/kg (3256 mg/m²) and 966 mg/kg (2898 mg/m²), respectively. In males, these values were slightly higher, 626 and 1280 mg/kg, respectively. There was no lethality in dogs at oral doses up to 200 mg/kg (4000 mg/m²).

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with Alendronate. Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and upper gastrointestinal adverse events, such as upset stomach, heartburn, esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcer, may result from oral overdosage. Milk or antacids should be given to bind alendronate. Due to the risk of esophageal irritation, vomiting should not be induced and the patient should remain fully upright.

Dialysis would not be beneficial.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Alendronate Sodium Tablet is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:

• Abnormalities of the esophagus which delay esophageal emptying such as stricture of achalasia [see Warnings and Precautions]
• Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes [see Dosage and Administration ; Warnings and Precautions]
• Do not administer Alendronate Sodium oral solution to patients at increased risk of aspiration.
• Hypocalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions]
• Hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria and angioedema have been reported [see Adverse Reactions].