Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: ETIDRONATE DISODIUM - ORAL (eh-TIDD-row-nate dye-SO-dee-um)

BRAND NAME(S): Didronel

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication helps maintain calcium levels and bone metabolism. It is used to treat symptoms of Paget's disease. It may also be used after hip replacement or spinal cord injury.

HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth with a full glass (6-8 oz or 180- 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. It should be taken on an empty stomach two hours before meals. After taking etidronate, do not lie down for at least 30 minutes. Avoid taking the etidronate within 2 hours of food or any products containing iron, magnesium, calcium, or aluminum (e.g., antacids, laxatives, vitamins). Doing so may interfere with the absorption of etidronate into your bloodstream (see Drug Interactions section). If stomach upset occurs, it may be relieved somewhat by taking divided doses during the day instead of one daily dose. Talk to your doctor about this. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication or increase your dose without first consulting your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea or increased bone pain may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: jaw pain, skin rash, mouth sores. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: kidney problems, colitis or digestive disorders, bone disease or bone fractures, allergies (especially drug allergies). Infrequently, serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis) have occurred in people taking similar medication. Most people were also using other medications or had conditions which might have actually caused the jawbone problem. If you have cancer, anemia, blood clotting disorders, infections in the mouth or other diseases of the mouth, or poor dental hygiene, see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before you start etidronate. Make sure he/she knows your entire medical history, any cancer radiation treatments, and also all the medications you are using, especially corticosteroids such as prednisone, cancer chemotherapy, and etidronate. Consult your dentist for more details. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.