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Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Pharmacy and Medications
Fosamax and grapefruit juice
I take fosamax once a week with water. Can I eat fresh grapefruit through out the week? Does is have an effect on the medication working?
Another name for Fosamax is alendronate. There are no known interactions between alendronate and grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Alendronate does need to be taken on an empty stomach with 8 ounces of plain water at least 30 minutes before any other foods, medications, or beverages. It is also important to remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. So if you want to eat grapefruit, do so at least thirty minutes after you take your alendronate.
This answer was prepared in part by Erin Shupert, PharmD while she was a student at the University of Cincinnati, College of Pharmacy.
Robert James Goetz, PharmD, DABAT
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati