Clinical information
Common uses
- osteoporosis treatment and prevention
Common side effects
- indigestion, bloating or wind
- constipation or diarrhoea
- headaches
- muscle or joint pain
- feeling dizzy or tired
Cautions
- take upright with tap water; stay upright 30 minutes
- heartburn or painful swallowing may mean food-pipe ulcers — stop and call a doctor
- rare jawbone damage — keep up dental check-ups
- unsuitable with swallowing problems or low blood calcium
Interactions
- other oral medicines (wait at least 30 minutes)
- antacids and magnesium-containing laxatives
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen (gut irritation)
- steroids like prednisolone (jawbone damage risk)
- gentamicin-type antibiotics (low blood calcium)
- calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc supplements
Pregnancy: not recommended — not enough safety research
Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/alendronic-acid (accessed 2026-08-16)