Alendronate, a bisphosphonate primarily used to treat and prevent osteoporosis, has not been associated with gallstone formation
Pathophysiology of gallstone formation
- Gallstones are typically formed due to imbalances in the substances that make up bile, such as cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salts
- The pathophysiology involves supersaturation of bile with cholesterol, nucleation of cholesterol crystals, and impaired gallbladder motility
Alendronate and gallstone formation
- There is no documented evidence linking alendronate to the formation of gallstones
- Common adverse effects of alendronate include gastrointestinal symptoms such as esophagitis, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain, but these are not indicative of gallstone formation
In conclusion, while alendronate can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, there is no established association between its use and gallstone formation