Reclast (Zoledronic Acid Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Reclast

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...

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Reclast®
(zoledronic acid) Injection

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Reclast contains zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonic acid which is an inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption. Zoledronic acid is designated chemically as (l-Hydroxy-2-imidazol-l-yl-phosphonoethyl) phosphonic acid monohydrate and its structural formula is:

Reclast®
(zoledronic acid) Structural Formula Illustration

Zoledronic acid monohydrate is a white crystalline powder. Its molecular formula is C₅H₁₀N₂O₇P₂•H₂O and a molar mass of 290.1 g/Mol. Zoledronic acid monohydrate is highly soluble in 0.1N sodium hydroxide solution, sparingly soluble in water and 0.1N hydrochloric acid, and practically insoluble in organic solvents. The pH of the Reclast solution for infusion is approximately 6.0 - 7.0.

Reclast Injection is available as a sterile solution in bottles for intravenous infusion. One bottle with 100 mL solution contains 5.330 mg of zoledronic acid monohydrate, equivalent to 5 mg zoledronic acid on an anhydrous basis.

Inactive Ingredients: 4950 mg of mannitol, USP; and 30 mg of sodium citrate, USP.

What are the possible side effects of zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa)?

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

urinating less than usual or not at all;
muscle spasms, numb or tingly feeling (especially around your mouth);
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
pale skin, easy bruising, unusual weakness;
severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;...

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What are the precautions when taking zoledronic acid injection (Reclast)?

Before using zoledronic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates such as alendronate or risedronate; or if you have trouble breathing (wheezing) after taking aspirin; 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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, low calcium levels in the blood, problem taking calcium/vitamin D supplements, recent or planned dental surgery (e.g., tooth removal), certain gut problems (malabsorption, surgery on the small intestine), treatment with zoledronic acid (e.g., for cancer), parathyroid/thyroid...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 4/10/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.