ZOLEDRONIC ACID

ZOLEDRONIC ACID: Zoledronic acid is a drug that belongs to the class of medications called bisphosphonates. It is primarily used to treat conditions related to bone, such as osteoporosis, Paget’s disease of the bone, and bone metastases in cancer patients.

The mechanism of action of zoledronic acid involves inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. By reducing bone resorption, zoledronic acid helps increase bone mineral density and prevent further bone loss.

The typical dose of zoledronic acid for osteoporosis is 5 mg infused intravenously once a year. For other conditions like Paget’s disease and bone metastases, higher doses and more frequent administration may be required. The drug is administered intravenously and is generally given by a healthcare professional.

Zoledronic acid can cause some common side effects, such as fever, flu-like symptoms (headache, muscle pain), gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and fatigue. It may also lead to acute-phase reactions characterized by transient fever and flu-like symptoms within the first few days after infusion. Rare but serious side effects include osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical fractures of the femur.

It is important to note that zoledronic acid should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, and patients should be monitored for any potential adverse effects.