Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol
About
Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol belongs to the group of bisphosphonates used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol lowers the risk of hip and spine fractures in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle.
Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol contains Alendronic acid and Cholecalciferol. Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol is used to strengthen bones and promote bone integrity by regulating bone turnover and preventing bone cell destruction.
Take Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol as prescribed. In some cases, Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol may cause side effects such as muscle or joint pain, nausea, indigestion, gas and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components. Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol is intended for use in postmenopausal women, therefore avoid taking Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before taking alcohol with Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions.
Uses of Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol
Medicinal Benefits
Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It contains Alendronic acid and Cholecalciferol. Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol works by preventing bone destruction and resorption, thereby retaining the normal density of bones. It slows down the activity of bone-destroying cells (osteoclasts), which tend to be in overdrive in case of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Cholecalciferol is the active form of Vitamin D and is essential in maintaining and promoting bone integrity and health. Hence, Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol is useful in strengthening and restoring the integrity and health of weak bones.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Hair loss
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of the components of Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from any oesophageal disorders, jaw problems, peptic ulcer disease, kidney disease, low blood calcium or low Vitamin D, or if you have been immobilised for some time and are unable to sit upright. Let your doctor know if you have any cancer and are on chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Offer a detailed medical history and inform the doctor, especially if you are on steroids, antacids, antibiotics like gentamycin or amikacin, calcium supplements, laxatives containing magnesium, aspirin or any painkillers. Inform your doctor if you are a smoker. Keep your doctor informed if you have recently had any surgery or are about to undergo surgery or a dental procedure.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol may interact with calcium supplements, antacids (magnesium hydroxide, ranitidine, cimetidine, omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole), magnesium-containing laxatives (magnesium citrate), chemotherapy (bevacizumab, thalidomide), steroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone), NSAIDs and painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen), antibiotics (gentamycin, amikacin, tobramycin) and chelating agent (desferrioxamine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol may interact with mineral/sparkling water, tea, coffee and milk.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, hypocalcemia, hypoparathyroidism, rickets, osteomalacia, kidney disease, cancer, peptic ulcer disease, malabsorption syndrome, oesophageal disorders like Barrett’s oesophagus and any disease-causing jaw pain.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionCaution is advised while taking alcohol with Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol as it may cause increased dizziness. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafeAlendronic Acid+cholecalciferol is recommended for use only in postmenopausal women. Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol is not indicated in pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAlendronic Acid+cholecalciferol is recommended for use only in postmenopausal women. Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol is not indicated in breastfeeding women. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionAlendronic Acid+cholecalciferol may cause dizziness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
unsafeAlendronic Acid+cholecalciferol is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practising good oral hygiene is very important while taking Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol. Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups.
- Load up on Vitamin D rich foods such as oily fish, egg yolks, spinach, broccoli, salmon and orange juice to promote bone health.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Doing weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, tennis, or even dance can be very useful in promoting overall bone health. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired or suffer from severely brittle bones.
- Muscle training activities such as yoga and Pilates can also be very helpful in strengthening the body and bones.
- Spend time under the sun (however, with proper sunscreen) for quality intake of Vitamin D.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption and stop smoking as these may have a negative effect on bone health.
- Cut down on smoking. Smokers tend to have lower bone density than non-smokers.
Special Advise
- Sit upright or stand while taking Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol.
- If you accidentally take extra doses of Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol, please inform your doctor or go to a hospital immediately. Some of the symptoms of an overdose can be toothache, jaw pain, feeling sick, dizziness, mood changes, ear pain, blurring of vision, headache.
- Your doctor may order a bone density (DEXA) scan to check for your need of Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol.
- You may need regular dental check-ups during treatment with Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a state in which the bones become weak and brittle, making them more prone to falls and fractures. It is often brought about by disease and age (menopausal osteoporosis). In osteoporosis, the activity of bone-destroying cells surpasses the activity of bone-forming cells. Most people do not suffer from any symptoms until there’s a fracture and bones literally start to break.
FAQs
Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol works by maintaining bone density. Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol helps in supporting bones and joints by decreasing bone destruction and inhibiting bone-destroying cells from being overactive.
Please see an orthopaedic doctor if you have had a fracture. Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol is used in the case of osteoporosis and has limited use in the direct treatment of fractures as a fracture is more of surgical concern.
Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol can be taken with other medicines if prescribed by the doctor. However, maintaining a gap of 30minutes between Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol and other medicines is advised.
It usually takes one month for Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol to start working. However, full benefits may take six months to one year to show.
Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol may cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. It is a bone disease in which there is a loss of blood to the bone. Maintain good oral hygiene, and have a regular dental check-up throughout the treatment with Alendronic Acid+cholecalciferol. Consult your dentist if you experience any problems such as loose teeth, swelling, or pain.
