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Generic

Zoledronic Acid [For hypercalcemia]

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At a glance

Zoledronic Acid is indicated in hypercalcaemia of malignancy, bone metastases associated with solid tumours, osteolytic lesions associated with multiple myeloma, corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis, and more.

Description

Zoledronic acid belongs to the class of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and acts primarily on bone. It is an inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.

Indications
  • Hypercalcaemia of malignancy
  • Bone metastases associated with solid tumours
  • Osteolytic lesions associated with multiple myeloma
  • Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis
  • Increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis
  • Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
  • Paget's disease of bone
  • Prophylaxis of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Therapeutic class

Bisphosphonate preparations

Pharmacological class

Bisphosphonate

Pharmacology

Zoledronic acid belongs to the class of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and acts primarily on bone. It is an inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.

Mechanism of action

Inhibits osteoclast activity, reducing bone resorption and strengthening bones.

Dosage

Adult Dose (IV):

  • Hypercalcemia of malignancy: 4 mg as a single dose by infusion over at least 15 minutes
  • Multiple myeloma and bone metastases of solid tumors: 4 mg infusion over at least 15 minutes every 3-4 weeks

Renal Impairment: CrCl >60 mL/min: 4 mg; CrCl 50-60: 3.5 mg; CrCl 40-49: 3.3 mg; CrCl 30-39: 3 mg; CrCl <30: not recommended

Administration
  • Administered by a doctor or nurse as an IV infusion
  • Duration of infusion must not be less than 15 minutes
  • Must not be mixed with calcium or other divalent cation-containing infusion solutions
Missed dose

If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.

Side effects

Common Side Effects:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Anorexia
  • Fatigue
  • Osteonecrosis of jaw
  • Anemia
  • Bone pain
  • Constipation
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Flu-like syndrome
  • Hypocalcemia
  • Myalgia
  • Arthralgia
Precautions & warnings
  • Patients must be appropriately hydrated prior to administration
  • Serum levels of calcium, phosphate, magnesium and potassium, as well as serum creatinine should be carefully monitored
  • If hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia or hypomagnesemia occurs, short-term supplemental therapy may be necessary
  • Careful renal function monitoring should be considered
Contraindications
  • Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients or to any bisphosphonates
  • Hypocalcaemia
  • Severe renal impairment (Creatinine clearance <30 ml/min)
  • Current or recent uveitis, or a history of bisphosphonate-associated uveitis
  • Pregnancy and lactation
Drug interactions
  • Aminoglycosides and loop diuretics: increased risk of hypocalcaemia
  • Nephrotoxic agents: increased risk renal dysfunction
  • Thalidomide: increased risk of renal dysfunction in multiple myeloma patients
Food interactions

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Zoledronic Acid.

Use in pregnancy

Use in Pregnancy: Unsafe; definite evidence of risk to the developing baby; consult your doctor.

Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

Use in lactation

Use in Lactation: Probably unsafe; may pass into breast milk and harm the baby; consult your doctor.

Pediatric use

Not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age

Geriatric use

Caution required in elderly patients

Renal / hepatic impairment

Renal Impairment: CrCl >60 mL/min: 4 mg; CrCl 50-60: 3.5 mg; CrCl 40-49: 3.3 mg; CrCl 30-39: 3 mg; CrCl <30: not recommended

Hepatic Impairment: Limited information

Overdose effects

Symptoms: Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia.

Treatment: Correct by intravenous administration of calcium gluconate, potassium or sodium phosphate and magnesium sulfate.

Storage conditions

Store below 30°C prior to opening. Protect from moisture and light. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Common questions

What does Zoledronic Acid do?
It is used for hypercalcemia of malignancy, bone metastases, osteoporosis, etc.
How to use it?
Administered by a doctor or nurse as an IV infusion.
What are the side effects?
Headache, nausea, bone pain, fever, etc. may occur.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.