REVIEW OF BASIC CLINICAL TRIALS OF ALENDRONATE

Development Bisphosphonates are a major class of drugs used to treat osteoporosis (OP) and other diseases characterized by increased bone resorption. The literature contains indisputable evidence for the efficacy of alendronate in the registered oral dose of 70 mg once weekly in the treatment of postmenopausal OP. Alendronate reduces a risk for vertebral and non-vertebral (peripheral) fractures, including those of the hip and forearm. Just one-year therapy with the drug results in increased bone mineral density and decreased bone resorption, which is associated with a reduced risk for osteoporotic fractures. Undesirable side effects of alendronate are rare, if it is correctly used, and generally appear as dyspeptic events in the upper gastrointestinal tract. In addition to its antiresorptive effect on the bone, the combination drug (alendronate 70 mg/cholecalciferol 2800 IU) additionally elevates the serum level of vitamin D, which allows the patients to be simultaneously treated with the drugs of the two groups (a bisphosphonate and vitamin D) recommended for use by the Russian Osteoporosis Association