Osteoporosis in men & women 10 mg daily. Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women Prophylaxis: 5 mg daily. May also be given 70 mg once wkly or 35 mg once wkly for prophylaxis. Osteoporosis in men 70 mg once wkly. Treatment & prevention of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis 5 mg daily. Postmenopausal women who do not take hormone replacement therapy 10 mg daily. Paget's disease of boneAdult 40 mg daily for 6 mth, may be repeated if necessary after an interval of a further 6 mth.
Should be taken on an empty stomach: Take at least 30 min before the 1st food/drink/medication of the day w/ a full glass of plain water & remain in sitting/upright position for at least 30 min. Swallow whole, do not chew/crush.
Do not give in patients w/ esophageal abnormalities or other factors that may delay emptying or those unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 min. Patients w/ upper GI abnormalities. Correct hypocalcemia before starting therapy or other disorders affecting mineral metabolism eg, vit D deficiency or hypoparathyroidism. Monitor serum Ca during therapy.
GI disturbances eg, abdominal pain, nausea & vomiting, diarrhea, constipation; peptic ulceration; dyspepsia. Exacerbated GI problems in the presence of acute upper GI inflammation. Severe esophageal reactions eg, esophagitis, erosions, ulceration & stricture.
Drug Interactions
May impair absorption w/ compd containing Al, Ca, Fe or Mg including antacids & mineral supplements. Increased GI or renal adverse effects w/ NSAIDs.
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