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why must fosamax be taken on an empty stomach

by Prof. Zachery Gibson Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

The popular anti-osteoporosis drug Fosamax, for example, should be taken “at least one-half hour before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day.” This promotes its absorption and reflects the need to stay upright after taking Fosamax, which lessens its potential to cause esophageal irritation.

Anything other than plain water may interfere with how well FOSAMAX works. FOSAMAX is effective only when taken on an empty stomach. Remaining upright lets the tablet settle quickly in your stomach and may help you avoid certain side effects like heartburn, chest pain, or difficulty or pain upon swallowing.Sep 16, 2002

Full Answer

What are the long term side effects of Fosamax?

What Are Side Effects of Fosamax?

  • gas,
  • constipation,
  • heartburn,
  • diarrhea,
  • bloating,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • stomach pain,
  • joint pain or swelling,
  • swelling in your hands or feet,

More items...

Why should rifampin be taken on an empty stomach?

To make sure isoniazid and rifampin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • diabetes;
  • gout;
  • seizures; or
  • if you drink alcohol every day.

Why do you have to sit up after taking Fosamax?

problems with the muscles in your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). Do not take Fosamax if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Fosamax can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. You must stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine.

Why should you take thyroxine on an empty stomach?

To avoid this, you should take Synthroid 4 hours before or after taking:

  • Iron supplements and multivitamins with iron
  • Calcium supplements or multivitamins with calcium
  • Antacids

What happens if you take FOSAMAX after eating?

Food and beverages (eg, mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice) will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body. Waiting longer than 30 minutes will allow more of the drug to be absorbed. Medicines such as antacids, calcium, or vitamin supplements will also decrease the absorption of alendronate.

How long after food can I take FOSAMAX?

Take it on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, at least two hours after, or a full half hour before eating. Do not take it in combination with other medications or any vitamin or food supplements.

Can you eat before taking FOSAMAX?

After swallowing your FOSAMAX tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before taking your first food, drink, or other medicine of the day, including antacids, calcium, and other supplements and vitamins. FOSAMAX is effective only if it is taken when your stomach is empty.

Can you drink water after taking FOSAMAX?

6) After swallowing your FOSAMAX tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before taking your first food, drink, or other medicine of the day, including antacids, calcium supplements and vitamins. FOSAMAX is effective only if taken when your stomach is empty.

How soon after taking Fosamax can I drink coffee?

Taking Fosamax with food Take it with water, and don't eat or drink anything else for at least 30 minutes afterward. This includes drinking coffee, orange juice, and carbonated water. You should also wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before you take any other medications or supplements.

Why can't you lie down after taking Fosamax?

Do not lie down again after taking the medicine. Alendronate can cause damage to the esophagus (food pipe) and the water will wash the medication down into the stomach. If you lie down the medication might come back up into the esophagus, so that is why you should not lie down.

What is the most common side effect of Fosamax?

The drug's manufacturer, Merck, says the most common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation and cramping.

How much water should you drink with alendronate?

If you are taking the alendronate tablets, swallow the tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces [180 to 240 mL]) of plain water. Never take alendronate tablets with tea, coffee, juice, milk, mineral water, sparkling water, or any liquid other than plain water.

What is the best time to take Fosamax?

Take this medication by mouth once a day, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage, or other medication. Take it with a full glass (6-8 ounces or 180-240 milliliters) of plain water. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or suck on it.

Can you take vitamin D with alendronate?

It will also help prevent irritation to your esophagus. It is important that you eat a well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products). However, do not take any foods, beverages, or calcium supplements within 30 minutes or longer after taking this medicine.

Does Fosamax make you tired?

Alendronate oral tablet doesn't cause drowsiness but it can cause other side effects.

Should you take calcium with Fosamax?

In conclusion, Fosamax combined with calcium and vitamin D supplementation is safe and efficacious for HIV-positive men and women with advanced osteopenia and osteoporosis. Even among the patients who didn't use Fosamax, the use of calcium and vitamin D alone was associated with modest improvements in BMD.

Answers

Ideally it's best taken in the morning but if you want to have coffee, etc and would like to not eat anything during the day then it would work. It's a good idea not to even drink water at least 4 hours before taking the dose.

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How does Fosamax work?

Fosamax is a brand (trade) name for alendronate. Alendronate strengthens bones and may be used for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis. Alendronate works by inhibiting osteoclasts which are responsible for breaking down and reabsorbing bone (by a process known as bone resorption).

What is Fosamax used for?

Fosamax is used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. Fosamax may also be used to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone. Fosamax may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers.

How long does Fosamax last?

Periodically re-evaluate the need for therapy. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered by doctors after 3 to 5 years in patients at low risk of fracture. Fosamax may interact with antacids or supplements containing calcium or magnesium.

How long after taking Fosamax can you eat?

Avoid eating, drinking (other than water), or taking other medications for 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. You may need to take supplementary calcium or vitamin D if your dietary intake is inadequate. Your doctor will advise you about this.

What medications interact with Fosamax?

oral steroids, such as dexamethasone, prednisone, and methylprednisone. sirolimus and tacrolimus. zinc salts. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Fosamax. You should refer to the prescribing information for Fosamax for a complete list of interactions.

How long should you stay upright after taking Fosamax?

Take exactly as directed. Fosamax should be taken with a full glass of water and the person taking Fosamax should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it.

Does Fosamax lower calcium levels?

Fosamax may interact with antacids or supplements containing calcium or magnesium. Fosamax may lower calcium levels in the blood. Pre-existing low blood calcium levels should be corrected before Fosamax administration. Fosamax is only available as a 70mg tablet.

How long should you wait before taking Fosamax?

Fosamax® treatment should be taken on its own without any other medications, and you must wait at least 30 minutes before taking other drugs.

How many mg of a pill is needed for osteoporosis?

The usual dosage for osteoporosis treatment is 70 mg once weekly, or 10 mg once daily. You doctor will tell you how many pills to take and how often. Follow your doctor’s directions.

What is the name of the drug that is used to treat osteoporosis?

What is Alendronate (Fosamax®)? Alendronate is commonly known by the brand name Fosamax®. Fosamax® is a bisphosphonate and is used in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Can you sit up after taking Fosamax?

Fosamax® may cause irritation or ulceration of the esophagus, however, this is very unlikely if you are able to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication. Individuals with untreated calcium deficiency or esophageal disease should not use this treatment .

What are the typical dosages of Fosamax?

Your doctor may adjust your dosage over time to find the amount that’s best for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

Is Fosamax used long term?

Yes, Fosamax is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Fosamax is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.

How does the 70-mg Fosamax tablet differ from the generic form of the drug?

There’s no difference between the 70-milligram (mg) Fosamax tablet and its generic form, the 70-mg alendronate tablet.

What to do in case you take too much Fosamax

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Fosamax. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

How long before food should I take Fosamax?

The popular anti-osteoporosis drug Fosamax, for example, should be taken “at least one-half hour before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day.”. This promotes its absorption and reflects the need to stay upright after taking Fosamax, which lessens its potential to cause esophageal irritation.

How long before eating can you have an empty stomach?

The F.D.A. defines an empty stomach as “one hour before eating, or two hours after eating.”. The F.D.A.’s two-hour rule is just a rule of thumb; the stomach will probably not be completely empty. The specific definition of an empty stomach varies from drug to drug.

What is gastric emptying time?

Gastric emptying time is the length of time required for the stomach to return to empty after a meal. In 1951, they published findings on 21 volunteers. Each subject ingested a test meal of gruel. Then, the contents of their stomachs were sucked back out. By repeating the experiment at various time points, the doctors were able to determine how ...

How long does it take for a gastric emptying to be measured?

From 190 experiments, the doctors calculated the average emptying time to be about two-and-a-quarter hours. In 1966, other investigators began using radioactive substances to measure gastric emptying. With refinements over the years, this technique has become the standard for assessing the rate of gastric emptyin g.

How long after eating can you tell if your stomach is empty?

How Do You Know When Your Stomach Is Empty? Two hours after eating is a crude rule of thumb. A more accurate answer depends on the drugs you are taking and your medical conditions.

How long after eating can you take meds?

Many medications should be taken on an empty stomach. How do you know when your stomach is empty? A. Two hours after eating is a crude rule of thumb. A more accurate answer depends on the drugs you are taking and your medical conditions.

Can diabetes cause an empty stomach?

Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can delay gastric emptying. Others can accelerate gastric emptying, such as certain types of bariatric surgery. As always, your doctor should be your guide to what constitutes an empty stomach for you. Advertisement. Continue reading the main story.

Why do some medicines need to be taken on an empty stomach?

Why must some medicines be taken on an empty stomach? Some medicines need to be taken "before food" or "on an empty stomach". This is because food and some drinks can affect the way these medicines work. For example, taking some medicines at the same time as eating may prevent your stomach and intestines absorbing the medicine, ...

How long before a meal should I take a medicine?

If you're unsure how to take your specific medicine or whether you can have anything to eat or drink before taking it, speak to your GP or pharmacist (chemist) or phone NHS 111 for advice. As a general rule, medicines that are supposed to be taken on an empty stomach should be taken about an hour before a meal, or 2 hours after a meal.

Can you take medicine at the same time as eating?

For example, taking some medicines at the same time as eating may prevent your stomach and intestines absorbing the medicine, making it less effective. Alternatively, some foods can interact with your medicine, either by increasing or decreasing the amount of medicine in your blood to potentially dangerous levels, ...

What Are Antibiotics?

Before we examine what happens if you take antibiotics on an empty stomach, it’s important to review what antibiotics do. Usually, the immune system is responsible for protecting your body from bacteria. However, in some cases, your immune system may be unable to effectively fight bacteria (such as if the amount of bacteria is excessive).

Should I Be Taking Antibiotics On An Empty Stomach?

A common question that arises when someone is prescribed a new medication is, “how long after eating should I wait before taking it?” In other words, should you wait several hours or just take your medication directly with food? The question of whether or not you should be taking pills on an empty stomach depends on the type of medication you’re on..

Taking Medication On An Empty Stomach: Side Effects

Generally, if you are instructed to take your antibiotics on an empty stomach, then that means avoiding food with your medication creates the optimal environment for drug absorption. However, when introducing a new drug to your system, there’s always the chance of adverse effects. These may include:

What Happens If Your Antibiotics Aren't Working?

If your antibiotics are not working properly, and you are following the given instructions, then your doctor may do one of two things:

What Is Genetic Testing for Antibiotics?

Genetic testing, or pharmacogenetics, is a medical field that analyzes the information present in your DNA. Every DNA molecule features genetic material that builds enzymes, a protein used to metabolize medication. If your enzymes metabolize too slowly, the drug remains in your system and causes unpleasant side effects.

ClarityX: Get A DNA Test Done Today

It’s one thing for your medication to not work because you failed to follow the instructions (such as if you don’t take your pills on an empty stomach when you’re supposed to). It’s another thing to follow the instructions perfectly and still have your medication be ineffective.

How It Works

Upsides

  1. Fosamax is used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men.
  2. Fosamax may also be used to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone.
  3. Fosamax may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers.
  1. Fosamax is used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men.
  2. Fosamax may also be used to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone.
  3. Fosamax may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers.
  4. Some studies have shown that Fosamax may be more effective than other bisphosphonates such as risedronate at increasing bone mineral density and reducing bone turnover without a higher risk of side...

Downsides

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Abdominal pain, bone muscle or joint pain, dyspepsia, hair loss, itch, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, dizziness, headache, vertigo, and swelling of the ankles or feet are the most common side effects. 2. Fosamax, like ot…
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Bottom Line

  • Fosamax helps to reduce the risk of fracture in people with osteoporosis and some other bone conditions. Dosage instructions, including remaining upright for at least 30 minutes and taking with a f...
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Tips

  1. Take Fosamax at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking any food or beverages (other than water), or taking any other medication, including calcium, antacids, or vitamins.
  2. Take Fosamax with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down. Do not substitute water with mineral water, coffee, soda, juice, or tea. Never take Fosamax at b...
  1. Take Fosamax at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking any food or beverages (other than water), or taking any other medication, including calcium, antacids, or vitamins.
  2. Take Fosamax with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down. Do not substitute water with mineral water, coffee, soda, juice, or tea. Never take Fosamax at b...
  3. Avoid eating, drinking (other than water), or taking other medications for 30 minutes after taking Fosamax.
  4. You may need to take supplementary calcium or vitamin D if your dietary intake is inadequate. Your doctor will advise you about this. If you are taking supplemental calcium, iron, magnesium, or ant...

Response and Effectiveness

  1. Fosamax starts to affect markers that reflect bone resorption within one month of treatment and reaches a plateau by three to six months. Effects remain stable following continued treatment for up...
  2. Food can significantly decrease the absorption of Fosamax.
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Interactions

  • Medicines that interact with Fosamax may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Fosamax. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
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References

  • Fosamax (alendronate) [Package Insert]. Revised 06/2021. Organon LLC. https://www.drugs.com/pro/fosamax.html
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Further Information

  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Fosamax only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: February 15, 2022. Medical Disc…
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What Is Alendronate (Fosamax®)?

  • Alendronate is commonly known by the brand name Fosamax®. Fosamax® is a bisphosphonate and is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Fosamax® decreases the rate bone cells are absorbed. This reduced absorption allows the body to increase bone density, which in turn reduces the risk of fracture.
See more on hopkinsarthritis.org

How Do I Take It?

  • Fosamax® is taken once weekly or once daily. The pills are available in 5 mg, 10mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, and 70 mg strength. The usual dosage for osteoporosis prevention is 35 mg once weekly, or 5 mg once daily. The usual dosage for osteoporosis treatment is 70 mg once weekly, or 10 mg once daily. You doctor will tell you how many pills to take and how often. Follow your doctor’s directio…
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What Else Should I Know?

  • Fosamax® may cause irritation or ulceration of the esophagus, however, this is very unlikely if you are able to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication. Individuals with untreated calcium deficiency or esophageal disease should not use this treatment. Do not use Fosamax® if you are pregnant or nursing.
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What About Other medications?

  • When you are taking Fosamax®, it is very important that your doctors know if you are taking any other medicine. This includes prescription and non-prescription medicines as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. Fosamax® treatment should be taken on its own without any other medications, and you must wait at least 30 minutes before taking other drugs. It is best to have …
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