A health care provider has ordered alendronate (Fosamax)for an older adult who has been admitted for a hip fracture.Which is the best response from the nurse when educating the patient on the new medication?
A) You will need to have your calcium checked monthly while on this medication.
B) If you miss a dose, you will need to take the medication as soon as you remember.
C) Take on an empty stomach.
D) Do not take with alcohol.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Drug-food interactions may either decrease or increase the amount absorbed.For example,when a bisphosphonate such as Fosamax is taken with food of any kind,the absorption is reduced to only a few milligrams; therefore the drug has no effect on the target organ-the bones.If a patient misses a dose,then he or she should not take it as soon as remembered; it should be taken at its next scheduled dose.No current recommendations suggest that calcium levels are to be checked monthly.

A Health Care Provider Has Ordered Alendronate (Fosamax)for an Older