Zometa (Zoledronic Acid for Inj) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Zometa

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Zometa

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Zometa®
(zoledronic acid) Injection Concentrate for Intravenous Infusion

DRUG DESCRIPTION

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

Zometa® (zoledronic acid for inj)
(zolcdronic acid) Structural Formula Illustration

Zoledronic acid is a white crystalline powder. Its molecular formula is C₅H₁₀N₂O₇P₂·H₂O and its molar mass is 290.1g/Mol. Zoledronic acid 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 a 0.7% solution of zoledronic acid in water is approximately 2.0.

Zometa (zoledronic acid for inj) is available in vials as a sterile liquid concentrate solution for intravenous infusion. Each 5-mL vial contains 4.264 mg of zoledronic acid monohydrate, corresponding to 4 mg zoledronic acid on an anhydrous basis.

Inactive Ingredients: mannitol, USP, as bulking agent, water for injection and sodium citrate, USP, as buffering agent.

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 for inj (Zometa)?

Before using zoledronic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates (such as alendronate, risedronate); 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, loss of too much body water (dehydration), aspirin-sensitive asthma.

Infrequently, people taking this class of medication (bisphosphonates) have had serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis). Lack of proper dental hygiene, poorly fitting dentures, or certain dental procedures (such as tooth extraction, dental surgery) may increase your...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 4/6/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.