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Can you take Alendronate with Polysaccharide Iron?

1 drug interaction and 20 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

iron polysaccharide alendronate

Applies to: Polysaccharide Iron (iron polysaccharide) and alendronate

Alendronate and iron polysaccharide should not be taken orally at the same time.

Products that contain magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, and/or other minerals may interfere with the absorption of alendronate into the bloodstream and reduce its effectiveness.

You should take iron polysaccharide at least 30 minutes after the alendronate dose.

Talk to a healthcare professional if you are not sure whether a product contains something that could potentially interact with your medication or if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

iron polysaccharide Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Polysaccharide Iron (iron polysaccharide)

Food may reduce the absorption and blood levels of iron polysaccharide. In addition, some oral medications can also interfere with iron polysaccharide absorption into the bloodstream, which may make the medication less effective in treating your condition. Likewise, iron polysaccharide may interfere with the absorption of other orally administered medications.

You should take iron polysaccharide on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

alendronate Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: alendronate

Food may reduce the absorption of alendronate, which may lead to lower blood levels of the medication and possibly reduced effectiveness.

You should take alendronate first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medication. Take each dose with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, and use only plain water (not mineral or vitamin water).

Do not take alendronate if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Because alendronate can cause irritation and ulcer in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach), you will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

18 potential interactions Applies to: 17 conditions, including Vitamin D Deficiency, Heart Failure, Asthma, Indigestion, and Gastritis/Duodenitis.

Achlorhydria

Moderate:

Polysaccharide Iron

The iron polysaccharide in Polysaccharide Iron has a moderate potential interaction with Achlorhydria.

Gastric acidity increases iron bioavailability by maintaining the ingested iron in a reduced form as ferrous ions, which are more readily absorbed than ferric ions. Therefore, when iron therapy is administered orally, higher dosages may be necessary for patients with decreased gastric acid production. Also, a liquid formulation is recommended in these patients because dissolution of the tablet coating depends on normal gastric acidity.

Asthma

Moderate:

alendronate

Alendronate has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

There have been reports of bronchoconstriction in aspirin-sensitive patients receiving bisphosphonates. Use of these agents in asthmatic and in aspirin-sensitive patients should be used with caution.

Blood Transfusion

Major:

Polysaccharide Iron

The iron polysaccharide in Polysaccharide Iron has a major potential interaction with Blood Transfusion.

There is no excretory mechanism for iron. Iron will correct only hemoglobin abnormalities due to iron deficiency and should not be used to treat conditions such as thalassemia, hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis, normocytic anemia (unless iron deficiency exists), or in patients receiving blood transfusions. Clinical monitoring of erythropoietic function and ferritin levels is recommended.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Moderate:

alendronate

Alendronate has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Each tablet of Binosto (alendronate effervescent) contains 650 mg sodium, equivalent to 1650 mg NaCl. Use caution in patients on sodium restriction, such as patients with a history of heart failure, hypertension, or other cardiovascular diseases.

Dysphagia

Major:

alendronate

Alendronate has a major potential interaction with Dysphagia.

Bisphosphonates may cause local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa. Esophagitis and esophageal ulcers and erosions, occasionally with bleeding, as well as gastric and duodenal ulcers, have been reported, primarily with alendronate. Because of their structural similarities, therapy with all bisphosphonates should be administered cautiously in patients with active upper gastrointestinal disorders. The usual precautions should be followed closely to minimize the risk of irritation (i.e. taking the medication with a full glass of water after arising for the day and remaining upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards and until the first food intake of the day). Therapy should be discontinued if dysphagia, odynophagia or retrosternal pain occurs. The manufacturer of alendronate considers its use to be contraindicated in patients with abnormalities of the esophagus that may delay esophageal emptying, such as stricture or achalasia.

Esophageal Disease

Major:

alendronate

Alendronate has a major potential interaction with Esophageal Disease.

Bisphosphonates may cause local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa. Esophagitis and esophageal ulcers and erosions, occasionally with bleeding, as well as gastric and duodenal ulcers, have been reported, primarily with alendronate. Because of their structural similarities, therapy with all bisphosphonates should be administered cautiously in patients with active upper gastrointestinal disorders. The usual precautions should be followed closely to minimize the risk of irritation (i.e. taking the medication with a full glass of water after arising for the day and remaining upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards and until the first food intake of the day). Therapy should be discontinued if dysphagia, odynophagia or retrosternal pain occurs. The manufacturer of alendronate considers its use to be contraindicated in patients with abnormalities of the esophagus that may delay esophageal emptying, such as stricture or achalasia.

Gastritis/Duodenitis

Major:

alendronate

Alendronate has a major potential interaction with Gastritis/Duodenitis.

Bisphosphonates may cause local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa. Esophagitis and esophageal ulcers and erosions, occasionally with bleeding, as well as gastric and duodenal ulcers, have been reported, primarily with alendronate. Because of their structural similarities, therapy with all bisphosphonates should be administered cautiously in patients with active upper gastrointestinal disorders. The usual precautions should be followed closely to minimize the risk of irritation (i.e. taking the medication with a full glass of water after arising for the day and remaining upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards and until the first food intake of the day). Therapy should be discontinued if dysphagia, odynophagia or retrosternal pain occurs. The manufacturer of alendronate considers its use to be contraindicated in patients with abnormalities of the esophagus that may delay esophageal emptying, such as stricture or achalasia.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Major:

alendronate

Alendronate has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

The manufacturer considers the use of alendronate sodium oral solution to be contraindicated in patients at increased risk of aspiration.

Heart Failure

Moderate:

alendronate

Alendronate has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Each tablet of Binosto (alendronate effervescent) contains 650 mg sodium, equivalent to 1650 mg NaCl. Use caution in patients on sodium restriction, such as patients with a history of heart failure, hypertension, or other cardiovascular diseases.

Hemoglobinopathy

Major:

Polysaccharide Iron

The iron polysaccharide in Polysaccharide Iron has a major potential interaction with Hemoglobinopathy.

There is no excretory mechanism for iron. Iron will correct only hemoglobin abnormalities due to iron deficiency and should not be used to treat conditions such as thalassemia, hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis, normocytic anemia (unless iron deficiency exists), or in patients receiving blood transfusions. Clinical monitoring of erythropoietic function and ferritin levels is recommended.

Hypocalcemia

Major:

alendronate

Alendronate has a major potential interaction with Hypocalcemia.

The use of bisphosphonates is contraindicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with hypocalcemia. These agents increase bone mineral density, a process that requires an adequate supply of calcium in the body. Following the initiation of therapy, a short-term reduction in serum calcium and phosphate levels usually occurs due to inhibition of bone resorption, especially in patients with Paget's disease, in whom the pretreatment rate of bone turnover may be greatly elevated. Hypocalcemia and other disturbances of mineral metabolism, such as vitamin D deficiency, should be treated prior to initiation of therapy. Appropriate intake of calcium and vitamin D should be ensured throughout the course of treatment.

Indigestion

Major:

alendronate

Alendronate has a major potential interaction with Indigestion.

Bisphosphonates may cause local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa. Esophagitis and esophageal ulcers and erosions, occasionally with bleeding, as well as gastric and duodenal ulcers, have been reported, primarily with alendronate. Because of their structural similarities, therapy with all bisphosphonates should be administered cautiously in patients with active upper gastrointestinal disorders. The usual precautions should be followed closely to minimize the risk of irritation (i.e. taking the medication with a full glass of water after arising for the day and remaining upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards and until the first food intake of the day). Therapy should be discontinued if dysphagia, odynophagia or retrosternal pain occurs. The manufacturer of alendronate considers its use to be contraindicated in patients with abnormalities of the esophagus that may delay esophageal emptying, such as stricture or achalasia.

Infection

Major:

alendronate

Alendronate has a major potential interaction with Infection.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which can occur spontaneously, is generally associated with tooth extraction and/or local infection with delayed healing, and has been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates. Known risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw include invasive dental procedures (e.g., tooth extraction, dental implants, boney surgery), diagnosis of cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, corticosteroids, angiogenesis inhibitors), poor oral hygiene, and co-morbid disorders (e.g., periodontal and/or other pre-existing dental disease, anemia, coagulopathy, infection, ill-fitting dentures). The manufacturers of bisphosphonates recommend discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment for patients undergoing invasive dental procedures. Patients who develop osteonecrosis of the jaw while on bisphosphonate therapy should receive care by an oral surgeon. In these patients, extensive dental surgery to treat ONJ may exacerbate the condition. Discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy should be considered based on individual benefit/risk assessment.

Noninfectious Colitis

Moderate:

Polysaccharide Iron

The iron polysaccharide in Polysaccharide Iron has a moderate potential interaction with Noninfectious Colitis.

Iron can be irritating and damaging to gastrointestinal mucosa. Iron therapy should be administered cautiously in patients with peptic ulcer disease, enteritis, or ulcerative colitis.

Peptic Ulcer

Major:

alendronate

Alendronate has a major potential interaction with Peptic Ulcer.

Bisphosphonates may cause local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa. Esophagitis and esophageal ulcers and erosions, occasionally with bleeding, as well as gastric and duodenal ulcers, have been reported, primarily with alendronate. Because of their structural similarities, therapy with all bisphosphonates should be administered cautiously in patients with active upper gastrointestinal disorders. The usual precautions should be followed closely to minimize the risk of irritation (i.e. taking the medication with a full glass of water after arising for the day and remaining upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards and until the first food intake of the day). Therapy should be discontinued if dysphagia, odynophagia or retrosternal pain occurs. The manufacturer of alendronate considers its use to be contraindicated in patients with abnormalities of the esophagus that may delay esophageal emptying, such as stricture or achalasia.

Moderate:

Polysaccharide Iron

The iron polysaccharide in Polysaccharide Iron has a moderate potential interaction with Peptic Ulcer.

Iron can be irritating and damaging to gastrointestinal mucosa. Iron therapy should be administered cautiously in patients with peptic ulcer disease, enteritis, or ulcerative colitis.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

alendronate

Alendronate has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Alendronate is primarily eliminated by the kidney. In healthy controls, drug that is not deposited in bone is rapidly excreted in the urine. Although clinical information is not available, animal studies suggest reduced drug clearance in renal failure. Alendronate is not recommended for use in patients with creatinine clearance less than 35 mL/min due to a lack of clinical experience in this setting. No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (CrCl >= 35 mL/min).

Vitamin D Deficiency

Major:

alendronate

Alendronate has a major potential interaction with Vitamin D Deficiency.

The use of bisphosphonates is contraindicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with hypocalcemia. These agents increase bone mineral density, a process that requires an adequate supply of calcium in the body. Following the initiation of therapy, a short-term reduction in serum calcium and phosphate levels usually occurs due to inhibition of bone resorption, especially in patients with Paget's disease, in whom the pretreatment rate of bone turnover may be greatly elevated. Hypocalcemia and other disturbances of mineral metabolism, such as vitamin D deficiency, should be treated prior to initiation of therapy. Appropriate intake of calcium and vitamin D should be ensured throughout the course of treatment.

More resources

alendronate

A total of 119 drugs are known to interact with alendronate.

Polysaccharide Iron

A total of 89 drugs are known to interact with Polysaccharide Iron.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.