Research Information System
PHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY, vol.13, no.3, pp.213-220, 2008 (SCI-Expanded)
Alendronate sodium (ALD) is a bisphosphonate medication used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Absorption of ALD as oral formulation is very poor (0.5%-1%). Its bioavailability can decrease with food effect. It has some gastrointestinal adverse effects such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, and esophagitis. The aim of this study was to develop a rectal formulation of ALD as an alternative to oral route and to investigate the absorption of it by using gamma scintigraphy. For this reason, ALD was labeled with Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) by direct method. The radiochemical characterization of the Tc-99m-ALD was carried out by paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and electrophoresis methods.