Which condition would contraindicate alendronate use aside from hypocalcemia?

Which condition would contraindicate alendronate use aside from hypocalcemia?

• A. GERD
• B. Hypertension
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypothyroidism

Answer: (A)

Alendronate can irritate the esophagus, so significant esophageal disease is a contraindication. Because the medication can cause esophagitis or ulcers if esophageal mucosa is already irritated (as in GERD), patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease should not use it. The other conditions listed—hypertension, hyperkalemia, and hypothyroidism—do not directly raise this esophageal safety concern, so they are not contraindications. (Hypocalcemia is a known contraindication, but this question asks aside from that.)

Alendronate can irritate the esophagus, so significant esophageal disease is a contraindication. Because the medication can cause esophagitis or ulcers if esophageal mucosa is already irritated (as in GERD), patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease should not use it. The other conditions listed—hypertension, hyperkalemia, and hypothyroidism—do not directly raise this esophageal safety concern, so they are not contraindications. (Hypocalcemia is a known contraindication, but this question asks aside from that.)