ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/alendronate
US brand names:Fosamax
Alendronate is dosed at 10 mg per cat PO Once weekly in cats, per Hardy BT, Galvao JFD, Green TA, et al. Treatment of Ionized Hypercalcemia in 12 Cats (2006-2008) Using PO-Administered Alendronate. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2015;29(1):200-206. doi:10.1111/jvim.12507 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.55 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to hydroxyapatite and inducing osteoclast apoptosis.
Esophageal irritation risk — give with water, keep upright. May cause jaw osteonecrosis rarely. Used in cats for idiopathic hypercalcemia.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 10 mg per cat | Once weekly | Moderate | Hardy BT, Galvao JFD, Green TA, et al. Treatment of Ionized Hypercalcemia in 12 Cats (2006-2008) Using PO-Administered Alendronate. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2015;29(1):200-206. doi:10.1111/jvim.12507 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.55 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.2–0.5 mg/kg | q24h or once weekly | Weak | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.