ETIDRONATE DISODIUM

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Didronel

GENERIC NAME(S): ETIDRONATE DISODIUM

Description: Etidronate is a bisphosphonate which stops the growth and dissolution of hydroxyapatite crystals in bone; therefore, stopping osteoclast activity or the breaking down of bone (resorption) . It allows new bone to grow.

Uses

Indications:

Etidronate is used to treat a certain type of bone disease called Paget’s disease.

Etidronate is also used to prevent or treat bone problems that may occur after hip replacement surgery or spinal cord injury.

OTHER USES:

Etidronate may also be used to treat bone loss (osteoporosis) if you are taking corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) for long periods.

In addition, this medication may be used to treat a high level of calcium in the blood that may occur with some cancers.

Contraindications:

Should not be given to patients with:

Abnormalities of the esophagus which delay esophageal emptying such as stricture or achalasia
Known allergic reaction to etidronate disodium or in patients with clinically overt osteomalacia.

How to use etidronate disodium

Take this medication by mouth without food, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. Take it on an empty stomach at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after a meal.
Take etidronate with a full glass of plain water (6 to 8 ounces, 180 to 240 milliliters). Do not take it with any other beverage.
After taking etidronate, stay fully upright (sitting, standing, or walking) and do not lie down for at least 30 minutes.
Take this medication 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any products that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc. Some examples include antacids, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), quinapril, vitamins/minerals, dairy products (such as milk, yogurt), and calcium-enriched juice.
For Paget’s disease and bone problems after hip replacement or spinal cord injury, you will usually take this medication for 3 to 6 months

Warnings

Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Etidronate may cause esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, and esophageal erotions.

Paget’s disease: In Paget’s patients the response to therapy may be of slow onset and continue for months after etidronate therapy is discontinued.

Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking etidronate:

More common

Bone pain or tenderness (increased, continuing, or returning—in patients with Paget’s disease)

Less common

Bone fractures, especially of the thigh bone

If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking etidronate, get emergency help immediately:

Symptoms of overdose

Abdominal or stomach cramps
confusion
convulsions
difficulty in breathing
irregular heartbeats
mood or mental changes
muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
shortness of breath
tremor

Some of the side effects that can occur with etidronate may not need medical attention:

More common – at higher doses

Diarrhea
nausea

Precautions

Precautions

Allergy: Before taking etidronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates (such as alendronate); or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain bone disorder that causes soft/painful bones (osteomalacia).
Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: kidney disease, inability to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes, difficult/painful swallowing, esophagus problems (such as esophageal stricture, achalasia), stomach/intestinal problems (such as heartburn, ulcers, colitis), low level of calcium in the blood.
Jawbone problems: Some people taking etidronate may have serious jawbone problems. Your doctor should check your mouth before you start this medication.

Pregnancy Risk: Category C. Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. This medication may stay in your body for many years. Its effects on an unborn baby are not known.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk, and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

There have been isolated reports of patients experiencing increases in their prothrombin times when etidronate was added to warfarin therapy.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle spasms, mental/mood changes.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. You may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as X-rays, calcium and other blood mineral levels, kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, following the dose-timing instructions in the How to Use section. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Brands

There are no brands containing this molecule.