MedlinePlus Drug Information: Etidronate

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Etidronate

(e ti droe' nate)

Brand name(s): Didronel

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Etidronate is used in the treatment of Paget's disease and to treat or prevent certain types of bone problems that may occur after hip replacement or spinal cord injury. Etidronate reduces the release and breakdown of calcium from bone.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Etidronate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Etidronate should be taken with a full glass of water or fruit juice on an empty stomach 2 hours before a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take etidronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Etidronate helps treat Paget's disease and prevent bone problems but does not cure them. Continue to take etidronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking etidronate without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking etidronate,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to etidronate, pamidronate (Aredia), tiludronate (Skelid), risedronate (Actonel), alendronate (Fosamax), or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, anticoagulants (''blood thinners'') such as warfarin (Coumadin), calcium supplements, medications containing magnesium or aluminum, minerals (magnesium, iron), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had renal disease or gastrointestinal disease (including enterocolitis, ulcers, dyspepsia, esophageal disease, or gastritis).
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking etidronate, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking etidronate.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

It is important you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking etidronate. Your doctor may prescribe supplements if your dietary intake is not enough.

Take etidronate at least 2 hours before or after eating meals or ingesting milk or dairy products, vitamins, or iron and magnesium supplements.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you have not already eaten, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If you have eaten, take the dose 2 hours after you last ate. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from etidronate are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

upset stomach
diarrhea
altered taste
bone pain

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

rash
hives
itching
difficulty breathing
swelling of the face or neck
broken bones
black or tarry stools

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer