Esophageal irritation due to alendronate sodium tablets: possible mechanisms. 1998

C P Peter, and L K Handt, and S M Smith
Merck Research Laboratories, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, USA.

Animal studies were done using an in vivo dog model to examine the possible mechanism for the esophageal adverse events reported with alendronate sodium tablets. These studies showed that under low pH conditions alendronate sodium can cause esophageal irritation. No esophageal irritation occurred at pH 3.5 or higher where the drug exists primarily as the sodium salt. The animal studies also showed that alendronate sodium can exacerbate preexisting esophageal damage. Exposure of the esophageal mucosa for a prolonged period to alendronate sodium tablet can also cause mild esophageal irritation. These findings suggest that the esophageal irritation in patients taking Fosamax can be from prolonged contact with the tablet, reflux of acidic gastric contents with alendronate sodium, and exacerbation of preexisting esophageal damage. The findings also suggest that other bisphosphonates can cause esophageal injury under similar conditions.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009092 Mucous Membrane An EPITHELIUM with MUCUS-secreting cells, such as GOBLET CELLS. It forms the lining of many body cavities, such as the DIGESTIVE TRACT, the RESPIRATORY TRACT, and the reproductive tract. Mucosa, rich in blood and lymph vessels, comprises an inner epithelium, a middle layer (lamina propria) of loose CONNECTIVE TISSUE, and an outer layer (muscularis mucosae) of SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS that separates the mucosa from submucosa. Lamina Propria,Mucosa,Mucosal Tissue,Muscularis Mucosae,Mucous Membranes,Membrane, Mucous,Membranes, Mucous,Mucosae, Muscularis,Mucosal Tissues,Propria, Lamina,Tissue, Mucosal,Tissues, Mucosal
D001862 Bone Resorption Bone loss due to osteoclastic activity. Bone Loss, Osteoclastic,Osteoclastic Bone Loss,Bone Losses, Osteoclastic,Bone Resorptions,Loss, Osteoclastic Bone,Losses, Osteoclastic Bone,Osteoclastic Bone Losses,Resorption, Bone,Resorptions, Bone
D004164 Diphosphonates Organic compounds which contain P-C-P bonds, where P stands for phosphonates or phosphonic acids. These compounds affect calcium metabolism. They inhibit ectopic calcification and slow down bone resorption and bone turnover. Technetium complexes of diphosphonates have been used successfully as bone scanning agents. Bisphosphonate,Bisphosphonates
D004285 Dogs The domestic dog, Canis familiaris, comprising about 400 breeds, of the carnivore family CANIDAE. They are worldwide in distribution and live in association with people. (Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th ed, p1065) Canis familiaris,Dog
D004947 Esophagus The muscular membranous segment between the PHARYNX and the STOMACH in the UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.
D000068296 Risedronic Acid A pyridine and diphosphonic acid derivative that acts as a CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER and inhibits BONE RESORPTION. Bisphosphonate Risedronate Sodium,1-Hydroxy-2-(3-pyridyl)ethylidene diphosphonate,2-(3-pyridinyl)-1-hydroxyethylidene-bisphosphonate,2-(3-pyridinyl)-1-hydroxyethylidenebisphosphonate,Actonel,Atelvia,Risedronate,Risedronate Sodium,Risedronic Acid, Monosodium Salt,Risedronate Sodium, Bisphosphonate,Sodium, Bisphosphonate Risedronate
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012968 Etidronic Acid A diphosphonate which affects calcium metabolism. It inhibits ectopic calcification and slows down bone resorption and bone turnover. EHDP,Ethanehydroxydiphosphonate,Etidronate,Etidronate Disodium,Sodium Etidronate,(1-hydroxyethylene)diphosphonic acid,(1-hydroxyethylene)diphosphonic acid, Tetrapotassium Salt,1,1-hydroxyethylenediphosphonate,1-Hydroxyethane-1,1-Diphosphonate,1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1-Bisphosphonate,Dicalcium EHDP,Dicalcium Etidronate,Didronel,Disodium 1-Hydroxyethylene Diphosphonate,Disodium Etidronate,Ethanehydroxyphosphate,Etidronate, Tetrapotassium Salt,HEDP,HEDSPA,Hydroxyethanediphosphonate,Hydroxyethylidene Diphosphonic Acid,Phosphonic acid, (1-hydroxyethylidene)bis-, disodium salt,Xidifon,Xidiphon,Xydiphone,1 Hydroxyethane 1,1 Diphosphonate,1 Hydroxyethylidene 1,1 Bisphosphonate,1,1 hydroxyethylenediphosphonate,1-Hydroxyethylene Diphosphonate, Disodium,Diphosphonate, Disodium 1-Hydroxyethylene,Diphosphonic Acid, Hydroxyethylidene,Disodium 1 Hydroxyethylene Diphosphonate,EHDP, Dicalcium,Etidronate, Dicalcium,Etidronate, Disodium,Etidronate, Sodium,Salt Etidronate, Tetrapotassium,Tetrapotassium Salt Etidronate
D019386 Alendronate A nonhormonal medication for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women. This drug builds healthy bone, restoring some of the bone loss as a result of osteoporosis. 4-Amino-1-Hydroxybutylidene 1,1-Biphosphonate,Alendronate Monosodium Salt, Trihydrate,Alendronate Sodium,Aminohydroxybutane Bisphosphonate,Fosamax,MK-217,MK 217,MK217

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