biphosphonate

biphosphonate

Endocrinology Any of a number of carbon-substituted analogues of pyrophosphate, an endogenous inhibitor of bone mineralization Indications Malignant hypercalcemia, Paget's disease, breast and prostate CA, myeloma; the most potent is zoledronic acid, which can be given at intervals of up to one yr Adverse events Oral–GI intolerance; IV–myalgia, pyrexia. See Osteoporosis.