Didronel (Etidronate)

What is Didronel?

Didronel is an oral drug which belongs to a class of drugs known as biphosphonates.

What is Didronel used for?

Didronel is used in the treatment of a certain bone disease known as Paget’s disease (which weakens and deforms bones). It is also used to treat and prevent heterotopic ossification which usually occurs after a spinal cord injury or a total hip replacement. However, the drug is not meant to treat osteoporosis.

How does Didronel work?

Didronel prevents growth, formation and dissolution of hydroxyapatie crystals and amorphous precursors of these crystals. The prevention is carried out by chemisorptions to calcium phosphate surfaces.

How to use Didronel

Didronel should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking the medicine for a longer time or in larger amount than prescribed may prove to be harmful. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Didronel is usually taken orally with a glass of plain water, and not mineral water. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew or break it. Avoid eating or drinking anything other than plain water for at least 2 hours of taking the medicine.

It should be kept in mind that Didronel is part of a complete health regimen which includes diet, exercise and even taking calcium and vitamin supplement along with this medicine. Hence it is important to follow the entire regimen to get the best results.

Do not increase, decrease or stop your dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

If you stop taking Didronel you have to wait for at least 90 days before you can resume treatment with this drug.

Didronel warnings and precautions

Didronel is not administered to patients who are allergic to etidronate. Patients who suffer from a problem with the movement of muscles in esophagus or have a condition called osteomalacia, which results into softening of bones, are advised against taking this drug.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you have any of the following conditions: a bone fracture, kidney disease, stomach or esophageal ulcer or disease, diarrhea, or trouble in swallowing. You may need a dose adjustment in such cases.

Drugs similar to Didronel can cause a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw, or bone loss of the jaw. The symptoms are swelling, numbness of jaw, loose teeth, jaw pain, slow healing after a surgery or injury involving gums, gum infection etc. People who have cancer or have been treated with radiation, steroids or chemotherapy are more susceptible to osteonecrosis. Anemia, blood clotting disorders, pre-existing dental problems are some other conditions associated with this disorder.

You should avoid taking calcium, iron, magnesium or aluminum supplements along with Didronel.

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Didronel dose?

If you have missed a Didronel dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Didronel overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Didronel, seek medical attention immediately.

Didronel interactions

Anticoagulants and certain mineral supplements (calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminum) may interfere with the action of Didronel.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using this medicine.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Didronel side effects

Side effects from Didronel include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. as well as some serious symptoms such as severe joint/bone/muscle pain, jaw pain, numbness or swelling in jaw, severe heartburn, blood in cough, burning pain in upper stomach, bone fracture, severe diarrhea, painful swallowing, or a blistering, peeling, red skin rash.

Headache, muscle cramps, pain in joints, confusion, mild diarrhea, numbness or tingly feeling are some less serious side effects of Didronel.