Not medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Alendronate requires a valid prescription.
Alendronate
Generic Name: ALENDRONATE SODIUM
11 DESCRIPTION BINOSTO (alendronate sodium) is a bisphosphonate that acts as a specific inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.
Data last updated: 30 March 2026 · Source: openFDA.gov, DailyMed (NLM/NIH)
Common Brand Names in India:
What is Alendronate Used For?
- Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis are based on clinical data of four years duration
How Does It Work?
Alendronate does not interfere with osteoclast recruitment or attachment, but it does inhibit osteoclast activity.
Dosage & Administration
- 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 70 mg BINOSTO effervescent tablet once weekly. ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Instruct patients to: Dissolve one tablet of BINOSTO in approximately half a glass of plain room temperature water (4 oz).
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention)
Warnings & Precautions
- Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions can occur.
- Risk/benefit of continuing bisphosphonate therapy should be re-evaluated in these patients and interruption of bisphosphonate therapy should be considered. Sodium Content: Each tablet contains 603 mg sodium, equivalent to 1532 mg NaCl.
- Use caution in patients on sodium restriction. 5.1 Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions BINOSTO, like other bisphosphonates administered orally, may cause local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa.
- Because of these possible irritant effects and a potential for worsening of the underlying disease, caution should be used when BINOSTO is given to patients with active upper gastrointestinal problems (such as known Barrett's esophagus, dysphagia, other esophageal diseases, gastritis, duodenitis, or ulcers).
Who Should NOT Take This?
- Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria and angioedema have been reported [see Adverse Reactions ] .
- Abnormalities of the esophagus which delay emptying such as stricture or achalasia ( 4 , 5.1 ) Inability to stand/sit upright for at least 30 minutes ( 4 , 5.1 ) Increased risk of aspiration. ( 4 ) Hypocalcemia ( 4 , 5.2 ) Hypersensitivity to any component of this product ( 4 , 6.2 )
Drug Interactions
Alendronate may interact with the following medicines. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Storage Instructions
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from moisture.
Speak to a orthopaedic doctor on Zospital
Consult a orthopaedic doctor on Zospital before starting Alendronate. Verified Indian specialists available for in-clinic and online consultations.
Other Bone & Joint Health Medicines
Sources: openFDA.gov · dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · nlm.nih.gov (RxNorm). Information is for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before use.
FAQS
Alendronate – Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Alendronate, its uses, dosage and safety.
Alendronate is commonly prescribed in India for: Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, Osteoporosis, Osteoporosis are based on clinical data of four years duration. Always confirm the indication with a registered medical practitioner before starting any course.
Alendronate is sold in India under brand names such as Fosamax, Alenost, Osteofos, Binosto, Fosamax Plus D. You can also find it on online pharmacies like 1mg, Pharmeasy and Apollo Pharmacy.
Alendronate is a prescription-only (Schedule H) medicine in India. You will need a valid prescription from a registered MBBS / MD doctor to purchase it from a licensed pharmacy.
Common side effects of Alendronate can include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Headache, Dizziness, Rash, Abdominal pain. Less common but serious side effects can include: Severe, Serious, Stevens-johnson. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if any of these appear.
Alendronate does not interfere with osteoclast recruitment or attachment, but it does inhibit osteoclast activity.
Alendronate can interact with: Aspirin, Nonsteroidal, Levothyroxine, Clinical. Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take — including ayurvedic and homeopathy preparations — before starting Alendronate.
Indian guidelines often recommend lower starting doses of Alendronate for patients above 60-65, since kidney and liver function decline with age. A doctor should review the dose, especially if the patient already takes BP, sugar or heart medicines.
Pregnancy safety of Alendronate depends on the trimester and individual case. Indian gynaecologists usually avoid Category C/D drugs unless benefit clearly outweighs risk. Speak to your obstetrician before taking Alendronate during pregnancy or while planning conception.
Prices in India typically range from ₹30 – ₹500 per strip / vial depending on brand. Generic versions tend to cost 30-60% less than branded ones, and Jan Aushadhi outlets often stock the lowest-priced equivalents. Check 1mg or Pharmeasy for live MRP.
If you remember within a few hours of the missed dose, take it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one — never double up. Frequent missed doses reduce Alendronate's effectiveness, so consider setting a reminder or speaking to your doctor about a simpler schedule.
You can book an in-person or online consultation with a verified Indian specialist on Zospital — visit the doctor directory at https://zospital.com/doctor to find one near you.
Medical Disclaimer
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