What Is Etidronate? 

Etidronate disodium (Didronel®) is a prescription medication approved for the following uses: 

• Treating Paget's disease in men and women 
• Preventing or treating abnormal bone formation (known medically as heterotopic ossification) after total hip replacement surgery or spinal cord injury. 

Are There Side Effects? 
As  with any medicine, side effects  are possible  with etidronate. However,  not everyone who takes  the drug will experience problem. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur,  in most cases, they are minor and either require  no treatment or can easily  be treated by you or your  healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
  
Commonly reported problems include but are not limited to: 

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Bone pain. 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider? 

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking etidronate if you have: 

• Osteomalacia (soft bones due to a vitamin D deficiency) 
• Severe diarrhea 
• Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure) 
• Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives. 
• Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are: 
• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant 
• Breastfeeding
• Planning to have a dental procedure. 

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  
How Does This Medication Work? 
Etidronate belongs to a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. It delays  the breakdown  of bone, as well as  the buildup  of new bone. These characteristics can be useful for treating  Paget's disease,  in which bone is broken down too quickly  and improperly reformed. With  heterotopic ossification (the abnormal formation  of bone in nonskeletal parts of the body), etidronate can prevent  or stop  the formation of abnormal bone.

When and  How to Take Etidronate 
General considerations for when and how to take etidronate include the following: 

• The medication  comes in  tablet form.  It is taken by mouth every day for  a period of time (usually three to six months, depending  on several factors). 
• Take etidronate on  an empty stomach first thing in  the morning.  Do not eat for two hours before  or after taking the drug. Many foods interact with etidronate, decreasing its absorption into the body and making it  less effective. 
• Swallow the  tablets whole with a full glass of plain  water (do  not use any  other beverage). 
• Try to stay upright for 30 minutes after taking etidronate, as this can help prevent irritation to your esophagus. 
• Do not take vitamins, minerals,  or antacids that contain calcium, iron, magnesium,  or aluminum  for two hours after taking  etidronate.
• It is best  to take this medication  at the same time each day  to maintain an even level in  your blood.
• For  this drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. 

Dosing Information

• The dose  of etidronate  your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number  of factors, including: 
• The condition being treated 
• Your weight 
• Other medications you  may be taking 
• Other medical  conditions you may have. 

As is always  the case, do not adjust  your dose unless  your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so. 

Drug Interactions 

Etidronate can potentially interact with a number  of other medicines. 

What  If I Take an Overdose? 

People who take too much etidronate may have  overdose symptoms that could  include:

• Low levels of calcium or phosphate in the blood 
• Unusual sensations  in the fingers, such as burning  or tingling

Diarrhea.
 
If you happen to overdose on this medicine, seek immediate medical attention.
  
How Should Etidronate Be Stored? 
Etidronate tablets  should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep  this and all other medications out  of the reach  of children.
 
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose? 
If you forget to take your etidronate dose, simply skip the missed dose  and continue with  your regular schedule.  Do not take a double dose.
  
Who Makes the Medicine? 
Brand-name etidronate (Didronel) is made by Norwich Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals. Generic etidronate is made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals.
  
Available Strengths
Etidronate tablets are available in the following strengths:
Etidronate 200 mg 
Etidronate 400 mg. 
 
At one time, an injectable version was available; however, it is no longer being made. 

Generic Etidronate 
At this time, both brand-name and generic versions of etidronate are available 

Notes: FCbinderMD

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EditText of this page (last edited April 21, 2010)