alendronate sodium trihydrate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol at a glance
Medicine class
A bisphosphonate combined with vitamin D3.
Licensed role
Postmenopausal osteoporosis where vitamin D insufficiency is a concern.
Key administration point
Swallow whole after getting up, using a full glass of plain water; remain upright afterwards.
Food and other medicines
Food, drinks other than plain water, antacids, supplements and other oral medicines can reduce alendronate absorption.
What is alendronate sodium trihydrate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol used for?
The selected product has one licensed indication.
Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women at risk of vitamin D insufficiency, with reduction of vertebral and hip fracture risk.
It is not licensed to treat established vitamin D deficiency; this should be treated appropriately before starting.
How does alendronate sodium trihydrate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol work?
Alendronate binds to bone undergoing remodelling and inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, reducing further bone loss without directly stimulating bone formation. Colecalciferol is converted to active vitamin D metabolites that increase intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption and support mineral balance and normal bone formation.
How to take alendronate sodium trihydrate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol
Follow the product instructions carefully: incorrect administration can reduce absorption and irritate the oesophagus.
Take after getting up for the day, before food, drinks or other oral medicines.
Use a full glass of plain water only; do not use mineral water, tea, coffee, juice or milk.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew, crush or allow it to dissolve in the mouth.
Remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes and until after the first food of the day.
Do not take at bedtime or before getting up for the day.
alendronate sodium trihydrate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bone, muscle or joint pain
- Abdominal pain, indigestion, acid regurgitation or bloating
- Constipation, diarrhoea or wind
- Headache, dizziness or vertigo
- Difficulty swallowing or oesophageal ulceration
- Itching, hair loss, joint swelling, tiredness or peripheral swelling
Get urgent medical advice
- Oesophageal inflammation, ulceration or narrowing, suggested by painful or difficult swallowing, chest pain or worsening heartburn
- Serious allergy or severe blistering skin reaction
- Symptomatic low blood calcium, which may cause tingling or muscle cramps
- Jaw osteonecrosis, with pain, swelling, poor healing, mouth sores or loose teeth
- Atypical fracture, sometimes preceded by thigh, hip or groin pain
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
- Painful red eye or visual disturbance
- Severe bone, muscle or joint pain
alendronate sodium trihydrate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol in pregnancy
This combination is intended for postmenopausal women and should not be used during pregnancy. Human evidence is limited, and bisphosphonates remain stored in bone for a prolonged period; anyone planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant after exposure should discuss this with their prescriber.
alendronate sodium trihydrate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol while breastfeeding
The product-specific information states that this combination should not be used while breastfeeding because infant risk cannot be excluded and colecalciferol metabolites enter breast milk. The combination requires prescriber review.
alendronate sodium trihydrate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol interactions
Food and several medicines can reduce absorption or increase adverse-effect risks.
Calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc supplements; antacids; other oral medicines
Taking them together can reduce alendronate absorption, so they should not be taken during the post-tablet waiting period.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen
Concurrent use may add to irritation of the oesophagus, stomach or bowel.
Common questions about alendronate sodium trihydrate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is this combination used for?
It treats postmenopausal osteoporosis in women at risk of vitamin D insufficiency and reduces vertebral and hip fracture risk.
Is it the same as vitamin D treatment?
No. It contains vitamin D3, but its vitamin D content is not suitable for correcting established vitamin D deficiency.
Why use plain water?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.