How Do Calcium Metabolism Modifiers Work?

Reviewed on 1/10/2022

HOW DO CALCIUM METABOLISM MODIFIERS WORK?

Calcium metabolism modifiers are a class of drugs used to prevent the loss of bone density to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (a condition in which bones become thin and weak and break easily), osteoporosis in men, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (a type of corticosteroid medication that may cause osteoporosis), and Paget’s disease (a condition in which bones become soft and weak and may be deformed, painful, or easily broken) and to treat high levels of calcium in the blood that may be caused by certain types of cancer.

Bone tissue undergoes constant remodeling and is kept in balance (homeostasis) by osteoblasts (cells that form a new bone) and osteoclasts (responsible for bone resorption) activity. Calcium metabolism modifiers inhibit the digestion of bone by encouraging osteoclasts to undergo apoptosis (cell death), thereby slowing down bone loss. They help reduce the incidence of fractures (hip and vertebral and nonvertebral osteoporosis-related fractures) and are also used with cancer chemotherapy to treat bone problems that may occur with multiple myeloma (cancer that begins in the plasma cells) and other types of cancer (such as breast and lung) that have spread to bones.

Calcium metabolism modifiers work in the following ways:

  • Belong to a class called "bisphosphonates."
  • Work by slowing down the bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of bone fractures.
  • Increase bone density (thickness).
  • In addition, they help in lowering high blood calcium levels by reducing the amount of calcium released from bones into the blood.

SLIDESHOW

Osteoporosis Super-Foods for Strong Bones With Pictures See Slideshow

HOW ARE CALCIUM METABOLISM MODIFIERS USED?

Calcium metabolism modifiers are used in conditions such as:

WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF CALCIUM METABOLISM MODIFIERS?

Some of the common side effects include:

Other rare side effects include:

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

WHAT ARE NAMES OF CALCIUM METABOLISM MODIFIERS?

Generic and brand names of calcium metabolism modifiers include:

QUESTION

What is another medical term for osteoporosis? See Answer
References
https://reference.medscape.com/drugs/calcium-metabolism-modifiers

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7835-394/risedronate-oral/risedronate-30-mg-oral/details

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601247.html

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1257-7174/alendronate-oral/alendronate-oral/details

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601011.html

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-92883/ibandronate-oral/details

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605035.html

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605023.html

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-21754/zoledronic-acid-intravenous/details

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