Why must you stay upright after alendronic acid?
A tablet that needs gravity, water and an empty stomach to do its job safely.
Select any card for the reasoning, what to watch for and an exam tip.
The puzzle
A woman takes her weekly alendronic acid with a sip of water, then goes back to bed. A few weeks later swallowing is painful and her heartburn is new.
The answer, step by step
Who is most at risk
- People who can’t sit or stand upright for 30 minutes.
- Oesophageal problems or slow emptying (stricture, achalasia) — these are contra-indications.
- Hypocalcaemia — also a contra-indication.
What to do
Key takeaway
Full glass of water, empty stomach, 30 minutes before breakfast and other medicines — and upright for 30 minutes, so the tablet can’t sit in the oesophagus.