General name for a family of medicines that slow the action of osteoclasts, decrease bone resorption, and slow bone loss. They also decrease the risks for fracture in both men and women. Commonly used drugs include etidronate (Didronel), alendronate (Fosamax), and risedronate (Actonel).
A class of nonhormonal drugs used to treat bone and calcium metabolism diseases. Bisphosphonates are used to prevent and treat osteoporosis and to treat Paget disease of bone as well as certain bone cancers. The drugs work by inhibiting bone resorption, preventing a loss of bone density. Bisphosphonates can lead to an increase in bone mass.
Bisphosphonates, which include alendronic acid, risedronate sodium and isodium etidronate, are a group of drugs used mainly in the treatment of paget’s disease of bone and in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Their advantage over calcitonin (which has to be given by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection) is that they can be taken by mouth. They act by reducing the increased rate of bone turnover that happens with the disease.
Any of a class of medications that inhibit the resorption of bones by osteoclasts. Medications in this class are used to treat osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, and metastatic bone cancers. Examples include pamidronate, etidronate, clodronate, and alendronate.