How does alendronate work in the body?

How does alendronate work in the body?

This medication works by slowing bone loss. This effect helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.

What is the mechanism of action of bisphosphonates?

Mechanism of action — The bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption via a mechanism that differs from that of other antiresorptive agents [2-4]. Bisphosphonates attach to hydroxyapatite binding sites on bony surfaces, especially surfaces undergoing active resorption.

What is the mechanism of action for Fosamax alendronate?

FOSAMAX* (alendronate sodium) is a bisphosphonate that acts as a specific inhibitor of osteoclast- mediated bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate that bind to the hydroxyapatite found in bone.

What does alendronate do for the bones?

Alendronate is also used to treat Paget’s disease of bone (a condition in which the bones are soft and weak and may be deformed, painful, or easily broken). Alendronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).

Can you just stop taking alendronate?

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. Tell your doctor if you do weight-bearing exercises, smoke or drink excessively. Your doctor will need to take these into consideration in deciding your dose.

Is hair loss a side effect of alendronate?

Less common side effects of alendronate include: Hair loss.

What is the function of osteoclast?

Osteoclasts are the cells that degrade bone to initiate normal bone remodeling and mediate bone loss in pathologic conditions by increasing their resorptive activity. They are derived from precursors in the myeloid/ monocyte lineage that circulate in the blood after their formation in the bone marrow.

Is alendronate same as Fosamax?

What is Alendronate (Fosamax®)? Alendronate is commonly known by the brand name Fosamax®. Fosamax® is a bisphosphonate and is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Fosamax® decreases the rate bone cells are absorbed.

What happens when you stop taking alendronate sodium?

Alendronate oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: If you don’t take this drug, you may have a higher risk for bone breaks.

Which is the primary mechanism of action of alendronate?

Its primary mechanism of action involves the inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alendronate must be interpreted in the context of its unique properties, which include targeting to the skeleton and incorporation into the skeletal matrix.

How is alendronate used in the treatment of osteoporosis?

Alendronate (alendronic acid; 4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene bisphosphonate) has demonstrated effectiveness orally in the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of the bone. Its primary mechanism of action involves the inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption.

What are the side effects of alendronate after menopause?

After menopause, there is an increased rate of bone loss leading to osteoporosis, and alendronate has been shown to increase bone density and decrease fractures of bones. The FDA approved alendronate in September 1995. What brand names are available for alendronate (Fosamax)? Is alendronate (Fosamax) available as a generic drug?

How does Alendronic acid bind to the bone?

Alendronic acid binds to bone hydroxyapatite Label. Bone resorption causes local acidification, releasing alendronic acid which is that taken into osteoclasts by fluid-phase endocytosis 1. Endocytic vesicles are acidified, releasing alendronic acid to the cytosol of osteoclasts where they induce apoptosis 1.