About etidronate disodium
Bisphosphonate bone resorption inhibitor
Used for
- Paget’s disease of bone
- High blood calcium caused by cancer
- Prevention of abnormal bone formation after spinal cord injury or hip replacement
Usual adult dose
Paget’s disease: 5–10 mg/kg once daily for up to six months; other uses require different regimens.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort
- Bone or joint pain
- Headache
- Rarely, ulcers or inflammation of the esophagus
Important warnings
- Take with water on an empty stomach; food, calcium, and minerals reduce absorption.
- Kidney problems may require dose adjustment or make treatment unsuitable.
- Long-term or high-dose use can impair bone mineralization.
- Seek urgent care for difficulty swallowing or severe chest pain.
Pregnancy
Use is generally avoided during pregnancy unless a specialist judges it essential; human safety data are limited.
Breastfeeding
Unknown whether etidronate passes into breast milk; use requires clinical assessment.
Interactions
- Calcium, iron, magnesium, and antacids reduce absorption; separate doses.
- Food and milk reduce absorption.
- Medicines affecting kidney function may increase risk of harm.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.