About zoledronic acid
Bisphosphonate bone-resorption inhibitor
Used for
- Treats osteoporosis and reduces fracture risk
- Treats Paget’s disease of bone
- Treats or prevents osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoids
- Prevents complications from bone loss after hip fracture
Usual adult dose
Usually 5 mg by intravenous infusion once yearly for osteoporosis; Paget’s disease usually requires one infusion.
Common side effects
- Fever, muscle aches, or flu-like symptoms after infusion
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low blood calcium
Important warnings
- Kidney injury can occur; kidney function is checked before treatment.
- Low calcium must be corrected; adequate calcium and vitamin D are important.
- Rarely causes jawbone damage or unusual thigh-bone fractures.
- Infusion must be given over at least 15 minutes.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy; human safety information is limited, and fetal harm is possible.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment; discuss risks with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Other medicines that can harm the kidneys may increase kidney injury risk.
- Medicines affecting calcium levels may increase the risk of low blood calcium.
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics may increase the risk of low blood calcium.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.