Alendronate : Interaction with Foods, Herbs, Alcohol and Caffeine

Alendronate Interactions with Food and Herbs

Food:

• Food may reduce Alendronate absorption, resulting in lower blood level of the medication and possibly reduced effectiveness.
• It should be taken first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take any other medications (1^✔).

Orange Juice:
Avoid drinking orange juice with Alendronate, as it may decrease the oral absorption of the drug (2^✔).

Multivitamins plus Minerals supplement:
When you are on Alendronate, avoid taking a multivitamin plus minerals supplement medication as it may interfere with the absorption of the drug into the bloodstream and reduce its potency (3^✔).

Alendronate Interactions with Alcohol

While using Alendronate, avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of stomach adverse effects (3^✔).

Alendronate Interactions with Caffeine

While taking Alendronate, it is better to avoid caffeine as it may reduce the drug's oral absorption (2^✔).

How to Take the Medication - Alendronate

• Alendronate is available in the form of a tablet, an effervescent tablet and a solution (liquid) to be taken orally (by mouth).
• The effervescent tablets and solution are usually taken on an empty stomach once a week in the morning.
• Swallow the tablets as a whole instead of crushing, chewing or breaking them.
• Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label.
• Take the medication at the same time every day for better results.
• Do not exceed or skip a dose. If you miss it, take the medication as soon as you remember.
• Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose (4^✔).