Didronel (Etidronate Disodium) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

May 26, 2012

Didronel

Osteoporosis »

Osteoporosis facts

Osteoporosis is a condition of increased susceptibility to fracture due to fragile bone.
Osteoporosis weakens bone and increases risk of bone fracture.
Bone mass (bone density) decreases after 35 years of age and decreases more rapidly in women after menopause.
Key risk factors for osteoporosis include genetics, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamin D, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.
Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be suggested by X-rays and confirmed by tests to measure bone density.
Treatments for osteoporosis, in addition to prescription osteoporosis medications, include stopping use of alcohol and cigarettes, and assur...

Read the Osteoporosis article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Didronel

Breast Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Pancreatic Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Skin Cancer Slideshow Pictures

font size

Didronel®
(etidronate disodium)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Didronel tablets contain 400 mg of etidronate disodium, the disodium salt of (1-hydroxyethylidene) diphosphonic acid, for oral administration. This compound, also known as EHDP, regulates bone metabolism. It is a white powder, highly soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 250 and the following structural formula:

Didronel®(etidronate disodium) Structural Formula Illustration

Inactive Ingredients: Each tablet contains magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and starch.

What are the possible side effects of etidronate (Didronel)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using etidronate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;
jaw pain, numbness, or swelling;
severe diarrhea;
bone fracture; or
a red, blistering, peeling skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Didronel »

What are the precautions when taking etidronate disodium (Didronel)?

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. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain bone disorder that causes soft/painful bones (osteomalacia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, inability to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes, difficult/painful swallowing, esophagus problems (such as esophageal...

Read All Potential Precautions of Didronel »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/15/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.