Merck and co inc, Apotex inc, Aurobindo pharma ltd, Austarpharma llc, Barr laboratories inc, Cadista pharmaceuticals inc, Dr reddys laboratories ltd, Genpharm ulc, Mylan pharmaceuticals inc, Sandoz inc, Sun pharma global inc, Teva pharmaceuticals usa, Watson laboratories, Watson laboratories inc • Alendronic acid is indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women, treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and Paget's disease of bone. However, alendronic acid is not indicated for use in pediatric populations or patients with a creatinine clearance <35mL/min.
Alendronic acid is a bisphosphonate drug that prevents osteoclastic bone resorption which is used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Alendronic acid binds to bone hydroxyapatite. Bone resorption causes local acidification, releasing alendronic acid which is that taken into osteoclasts by fluid-phase endocytosis. Endocytic vesicles are acidified, releasing alendronic acid to the cytosol of osteoclasts where they induce apoptosis. Inhibition of osteoclasts results in decreased bone resorption which is shown through decreased urinary calcium, deoxypyridinoline and cross-linked N-telopeptidases of type I collagen.
