Bisphosphonates
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Overview
Medications that bind to bone mineral surfaces and inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are the most widely prescribed class of drugs for osteoporosis, reducing fracture risk at the spine, hip, and other skeletal sites. They are also used in Paget disease and cancer-related bone conditions.
How do bisphosphonates work?
Bind to hydroxyapatite crystals in bone, are internalized by osteoclasts during bone resorption, and inhibit farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, inducing osteoclast apoptosis and reducing bone turnover.
Drugs in this class
- Ibandronate (Boniva)