[Perspective of alendronate from the standpoint of internist]

Accumulating evidence indicates that bisphosphonates not only prevent the decrease in bone mass but also increase bone mineral density either in primary or in secondary osteoporosis, resulting in a significant reduction in the rate of fracture at various sites. Among various bisphosphonate compounds, alendronate is encouraged to use for the treatment of osteoporosis because of its clinical effects as evidenced by the most extensive clinical studies thus far conducted. Furthermore, alendronate has additive effect when it is administered together with estrogen and raloxifene and possibly with intermittent administration of PTH.