Final answer:
Alendronate treats osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption, which is the breakdown of bone tissue by osteoclasts. This action helps to increase bone mass and prevent bone loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alendronate is a medication used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, and it works by inhibiting bone resorption. Bone resorption is the process through which osteoclasts break down bone tissue and release minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone tissue to the blood. By inhibiting osteoclasts, alendronate helps to prevent bone loss and increases bone mass, thus managing osteoporosis.
It's important to note that alendronate does not stimulate osteoclast activity, promote calcium excretion, or suppress vitamin D absorption. Instead, the drug contributes to bone health by indirectly increasing osteoblastic activity, as when osteoclasts are inhibited, there is an overall shift towards bone formation.