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

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February 9, 2012

Didronel

Osteoporosis »

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in the density of bone, decreasing its strength and resulting in fragile bones. Osteoporosis literally leads to abnormally porous bone that is compressible, like a sponge. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone and results in frequent fractures (breaks) in the bones. Osteopenia is a condition of bone that is slightly less dense than normal bone but not to the degree of bone in osteoporosis.

Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium, all of which give bone its strength. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can break (fracture) with relatively minor injury that normally would not cause a bone to fracture. The fracture can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture) or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine). The spine, hips, ribs, and wrists are common areas of bone fractures from osteoporosis although osteoporosis-...

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Didronel

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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.