From the Research
Patients taking ibuprofen concurrently with alendronate should take their alendronate first thing in the morning with a full glass of plain water (6-8 ounces), at least 30 minutes before taking ibuprofen or any other medications, food, or beverages. After taking alendronate, patients must remain upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes and until after their first food of the day. Ibuprofen should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation. This separation is critical because NSAIDs like ibuprofen can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, which is already a concern with alendronate, as noted in studies such as 1. Additionally, taking other medications too soon after alendronate can reduce its absorption and effectiveness. Alendronate works by binding to bone to prevent bone loss, but it must be properly absorbed first, which requires an empty stomach and sufficient time in an upright position to prevent the medication from refluxing and causing esophageal irritation. If a dose of alendronate is missed, patients should skip that dose and resume the normal schedule the following day rather than taking two doses or taking it later in the day.
Some key points to consider when taking alendronate with ibuprofen include:
- The risk of upper gastrointestinal tract events, such as those reported in 2, can be mitigated by following proper administration guidelines.
- The importance of remaining upright after taking alendronate to prevent esophageal irritation, as highlighted in 3.
- The potential for reduced absorption of alendronate when taken with other medications, as discussed in 4.
- The need to take ibuprofen with food or milk to minimize stomach irritation, as noted in 5.
By following these guidelines, patients can minimize the risks associated with taking alendronate and ibuprofen concurrently, and maximize the effectiveness of their treatment.