Drug Name:Etidronate
Drug Class:Bisphosphonate
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to hydroxyapatite crystals in bone
  • Inhibits farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, an enzyme involved in the mevalonate pathway, which is essential for osteoclast function
Use:
  • Treatment of Paget's disease of bone
  • Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
  • Hypercalcemia of malignancy
Side Effects:
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Headache
  • Musculoskeletal pain
  • Hypocalcemia
  • Osteonecrosis of the jaw
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to etidronate
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Hypocalcemia
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Specialty:
  • Rheumatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology