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Alendronic acid administration — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePatient CounsellingAlendronic acid administrationGPhC CRA

A patient starts alendronic acid 70 mg once weekly. She also takes calcium carbonate/colecalciferol and asks whether she can take them together with breakfast. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Take alendronic acid with water before food and separate calcium

Alendronic acid has poor absorption and is impaired by food, milk and calcium. It should be taken with plain water on waking, with the patient remaining upright and delaying food and other medicines according to product advice. This reduces oesophageal irritation and improves efficacy.

Reference: BNF