Alendronic acid
Alendronic Acid
Alendronic acid (pronunciation: /əˌlɛndˈrɒnɪk ˈæsɪd/), also known as alendronate sodium, is a type of medication used primarily to treat osteoporosis and Paget's disease. It belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates.
Etymology
The term "Alendronic acid" is derived from the chemical name (4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene)bisphosphonic acid. The prefix "Alen-" is an arbitrary designation, and "-dronic acid" is a common suffix for bisphosphonates.
Usage
Alendronic acid works by slowing bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). It is used to treat a certain type of bone disease (Paget's disease) and to treat bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults.
Related Terms
- Bisphosphonates: A class of drugs that prevent the loss of bone density.
- Osteoporosis: A condition in which bones become weak and brittle.
- Paget's disease: A condition that interferes with the body's normal bone recycling process.
Side Effects
Like all medications, alendronic acid can cause side effects. Common side effects include stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, or nausea. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alendronic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Alendronic acid
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