• The medication comes in tablet form. Depending on the dose, it is taken by mouth either daily or weekly. A liquid form of alendronate is also available to be taken on a weekly basis for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
   
• Alendronate must be taken first thing in the morning at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything (other than water). You must wait at least 30 minutes after taking the medication before eating or drinking anything other than water or taking any medications. Food, beverages, and medications can interact with alendronate and prevent it from being absorbed into the body.
   
• Take alendronate with a full glass of plain water only (not coffee, juice, soda, or even mineral water). When taking liquid alendronate, you should follow the dose with at least a quarter of a cup of plain water.
   
• Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright. You must not lie down until you have waited at least 30 minutes after the dose and after you have eaten something. The tablets should not be chewed, broken, or sucked on. These precautions are necessary to prevent alendronate from irritating your esophagus.
   
• You need to make sure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while taking alendronate, as the medication cannot build bone without these substances.
   
• For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Alendronate will not work if you stop taking it.
   
• If you are unsure about anything related to alendronate or alendronate dosing, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.