A woman is beginning to take alendronate (Fosamax) for treatment of her osteoporosis. The nurse is discussing with the woman how she should take the medication. What is very important to include in this discussion?
1. The medication must be taken on an empty stomach, and no food must be eaten for at least 30 minutes after the medication is taken.
2. The medication should be taken with a minimal amount of water, and the client should lie down after taking it.
3. The client should take the medication every night at bedtime, and she should not stop taking it abruptly.
4. Orthostatic hypotension may be a potential side affect; she should stand up slowly and make sure she has her balance.
Answer: 1
For the medication to be adequately absorbed, there must be no food in the stomach. A large glass of water should be used to take the medication to make sure it does not lodge in the esophagus. The client should not lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication because any gastric reflux of the medication can be very irritating to the esophagus. Orthostatic hypotension is not a side effect, and the medication should not be taken at bedtime.