What is "alendronic acid"

n. A bisphosphonate drug used to treat osteoporosis and several other bone diseases.

Alendronic acid ( INN) or alendronate sodium ( USAN) — sold as Fosamax by Merck — is a bisphosphonate drug used for osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, and several other bone diseases. It is marketed alone as well as in combination with vitamin D (2,800 IU and 5,600 IU, under the name Fosamax+D). Merck's U.S. patent on alendronate expired in 2008 and the drug is now available as a generic. This is the most widely prescribed bisphosphonate medicine in the United States .