Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

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May 27, 2012

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Osteoporosis facts

Osteoporosis is a condition of increased susceptibility to fracture due to fragile bone.
Osteoporosis weakens bone and increases risk of bone fracture.
Bone mass (bone density) decreases after 35 years of age and decreases more rapidly in women after menopause.
Key risk factors for osteoporosis include genetics, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamin D, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.
Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be suggested by X-rays and confirmed by tests to measure bone density.
Treatments for osteoporosis, in addition to prescription osteoporosis medications, include stopping use of alcohol and cigarettes, and assur...

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OVERDOSE

Significant lethality after single oral doses was seen in female rats and mice at 552 mg/kg (3256 mg/m²) and 966 mg/kg (2898 mg/m²), respectively. In males, these values were slightly higher, 626 and 1280 mg/kg, respectively. There was no lethality in dogs at oral doses up to 200 mg/kg (4000 mg/m²).

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with FOSAMAX. Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and upper gastrointestinal adverse events, such as upset stomach, heartburn, esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcer, may result from oral overdosage. Milk or antacids should be given to bind alendronate. Due to the risk of esophageal irritation, vomiting should not be induced and the patient should remain fully upright.

Dialysis would not be beneficial.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Abnormalities of the esophagus which delay esophageal emptying such as stricture or achalasia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION; WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Do not administer FOSAMAX oral solution to patients at increased risk of aspiration.
Hypocalcemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria and angioedema have been reported [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].