Bisphosphonate

The general name for a family of bone-seeking medicines that slow the action of osteoclasts, decrease bone resorption and slow bone loss as well as decreasing risks for fracture. All bisphosphonates must be taken at least an hour away from food and two hours away from calcium, vitamins and iron. Members of the bisphosphonate family include etidronate, clodronate, alendronate and risedronate. Currently available medicines in the biphosphanates family include etidronate, clodronate, alendronate, risedronate, zoledronate, pamidronate and ibandronate.