What is the brand name for Alendronate?
The brand name for Alendronate is Fosamax.
PTCE Top 200 · #113
Alendronate
Fosamax
Alendronate is the generic name for the brand-name drug Fosamax. It is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Alendronate ranks #113 and is one of the most frequently tested bone/metabolic medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Alendronate |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Fosamax |
| Drug class | Bisphosphonate |
| Class group | Bone/Metabolic |
| Common use | osteoporosis |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Alendronate used for?
Bisphosphonate used to treat and prevent osteoporosis; also used for Paget’s disease and glucocorticoid‑induced osteoporosis in appropriate patients.
What drug class is Alendronate?
Alendronate is a Bisphosphonate in the Bone/Metabolic group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Alendronate
- arrow_rightEsophageal irritation/heartburn
- arrow_rightAbdominal pain
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightMusculoskeletal pain
- arrow_rightConstipation/diarrhea
Major interactions
- arrow_rightCalcium, antacids, iron, and many oral meds interfere with absorption—take on empty stomach with water and wait ≥30 minutes before other meds/food
- arrow_rightNSAIDs may increase GI irritation risk
- arrow_rightHypocalcemia must be corrected before starting
Is Alendronate a controlled substance?
No. Alendronate is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Alendronate (PTCE mnemonic)
FOS-amax FOStErs bones — alendronate is a bisphosphonate. 'A-LIE-down NO!': empty stomach, full glass water, UPRIGHT 30+ min; jaw osteonecrosis, atypical femur fx.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Alendronate's counseling ritual IS the exam question: empty stomach, a full glass of plain water, stay upright 30 minutes — usually once weekly.
Alendronate FAQ
What is Alendronate used for?
Alendronate is used to treat osteoporosis. Bisphosphonate used to treat and prevent osteoporosis; also used for Paget’s disease and glucocorticoid‑induced osteoporosis in appropriate patients.
What drug class is Alendronate?
Alendronate is a Bisphosphonate (Bone/Metabolic group).
Is Alendronate a controlled substance?
No. Alendronate is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Drill Alendronate the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).