Name a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis.

• A. Calcitonin
• B. Risedronate
• C. Teriparatide
• D. Alendronate (Fosamax)

Answer: (D)

Bisphosphonates slow osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. By attaching to bone and being taken up during remodeling, these drugs reduce bone resorption and turnover, helping preserve bone density and lower fracture risk.

Alendronate is a classic oral bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis; it’s commonly prescribed and effective for increasing bone density and reducing fractures. Risedronate is another drug in the same class with a similar action, but the option highlighted is alendronate. The other choices aren’t bisphosphonates—calcitonin is a different type of therapy, and teriparatide is an anabolic agent that builds bone rather than suppressing resorption.