GENERIC NAME: etidronate
BRAND NAME: Didronel
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Etidronate belongs to a class
of
medications which strengthen bone. Bone is in a constant state
of
remodeling in which old bone is removed by cells called
osteoclasts, and
new bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts. Etidronate
inhibits
bone removal by the osteoclasts.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: tablets: 200mg, 400mg.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container,
avoid
moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Etidronate is used to treat osteoporosis
(thinning of bone) in women after menopause, even though this
medication
has not yet been approved by the FDA specifically for this
purpose. After
menopause, there is an increased rate of bone loss
(resorption), and an
increased risk of bone fractures. In these patients, etidronate
has been
shown to increase bone density while strengthening bone, and
decrease the
rate of bone fractures. Etidronate is also helpful in the
treatment of
Paget's disease of the bone. The cause of Paget's disease is
unknown. It
is characterized by a disorderly and accelerated remodeling of
the bone,
leading to bone weakness and pain. Etidronate reduces bone pain
and
fractures in Paget's disease. Etidronate is also used to
prevent an
unusual condition called heterotopic ossification. In
heterotopic
ossification, bone is deposited in soft tissues and muscles,
usually after
hip replacement or spinal cord surgery.
DOSING: Since calcium rich foods such as dairy products,
antacids, vitamins with mineral supplements, and certain
medications can
interfere with the absorption of etidronate, the medication
should be
taken in an empty stomach 2 hours before eating or taking other
medications.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: The safety of etidronate in patients
with
significant kidney disease is not known. Etidronate dosage
usually is
reduced in these patients. Since etidronate can lower blood
calcium
levels, pre-existing low blood calcium levels are corrected
prior to
instituting etidronate. The safety and effectiveness of
etidronate has not
been established in children.
PREGNANCY: The safety and effectiveness of etidronate
has not
been established in pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: The safety and effectiveness of
etidronate has
not been established in nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Etidronate is generally well tolerated.
Side
effects are usually mild and often do not require discontinuing
the
medication. These include stomach pain or upset, constipation,
diarrhea,
muscle ache, and headache. In rare instances, patients with
Paget's
disease of the bone will experience increased bone pain during
treatment
with etidronate.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- alendronate, Fosamax - Specifies the medication alendronate (Fosamax), a drug used to treat osteoporosis (thinning of bone) in women after menopause.
- Osteoporosis - Get information on osteoporosis causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment (drugs), prevention (diet, weight-bearing exercise), statistics, risk factors (hereditary) and research.
- ibandronate, Boniva - Boniva (ibandronate) is an oral prescription medication used for treating osteoporosis in women after menopause. Learn more about this class of drug called bisphosphonate, drug interactions, and side effects.
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