Drug Groups

approved; investigational

Description

A diphosphonate which affects calcium metabolism. It inhibits bone resorption and soft tissue calcification. [PubChem]

Indication

For the management of hypercalcemia of malignancy and as an adjunct in the management of osteolysis resulting from bone metastases of malignant tumors.

Pharmacology

Clodronate is a first generation (non-nitrogenous) bisphosphonate in the same family as etidronate and tiludronate. Clodronate affects calcium metabolism and inhibits bone resorption and soft tissue calcification. Of the clodronate that is resorbed (from oral preparation) or infused (for intravenous drugs), about 50% is excreted unchanged by the kidney. The remainder has a very high affinity for bone tissue, and is rapidly absorbed onto the bone surface. Clodronate has been shown to prevent or delay skeletal-related events and decrease bone pain as well as normalize calcium levels in the presence of hypercalcemia.

Toxicity

Decreases in serum calcium following substantial overdosage may be expected in some patients. Signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia also may occur in some of these patients.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Clodronate is not metabolized in humans.

Absorption

After oral administration, absorption is estimated at 1–3% of the ingested dose because of the low uptake from the gastrointestinal tract.

Half Life

Approximately 13 hours.

Protein Binding

2%-36%

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