| name | Zoledronic Acid |
| classification | Bisphosphonate, antiresorptive agent |
| pharmacokinetics | Zoledronic acid is a potent bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclast activity. It is primarily eliminated by renal excretion. The half-life is quite long, in the range of several weeks to months. This long half-life results in a sustained effect, but also requires careful consideration in patients with renal impairment. |
| suggested dosage | | general note | Dosage varies depending on the indication and patient characteristics. Always follow the prescribing physician's orders. | | examples | | 1 | | indication | Paget's disease | | dosage | 5 mg as a single intravenous infusion, annually |
| | 2 | | indication | Bone metastases | | dosage | 4 mg as a single intravenous infusion, every 3-4 months, or as directed by a specialist |
| | 3 | | indication | Osteoporosis | | dosage | 5 mg as a single intravenous infusion, annually, or 4 mg every 3-6 months as guided by a doctor. |
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| indications | | 1 | Paget's disease of bone | | 2 | Multiple myeloma | | 3 | Bone metastases from solid tumors | | 4 | Osteoporosis | | 5 | Hypercalcemia of malignancy |
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| safety in pregnancy | Zoledronic acid is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the potential for harm to the developing fetus. The drug crosses the placenta, and its long half-life warrants caution. If a pregnancy occurs during treatment, it should be discussed immediately with the prescribing doctor. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Not recommended due to the potential for excretion in breast milk and uncertain effects on the infant. It should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| side effects | | 1 | Fever | | 2 | Bone pain | | 3 | Myalgia | | 4 | Arthralgia | | 5 | Headache | | 6 | Fatigue | | 7 | Nausea | | 8 | Vomiting | | 9 | Constipation | | 10 | Diarrhea | | 11 | Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) in some cases (particularly after initial dose) | | 12 | Renal dysfunction (rare) |
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| contraindications | | 1 | Severe renal impairment | | 2 | Hypersensitivity to zoledronic acid or other bisphosphonates | | 3 | Pregnancy | | 4 | Breastfeeding |
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| interactions | | 1 | Concurrent use with medications that affect renal function may increase the risk of side effects. | | 2 | Concurrent use with calcium and vitamin D supplements may interfere with absorption. |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor renal function before and during treatment. | | 2 | Administer via intravenous infusion only. | | 3 | Use with caution in patients with pre-existing hypocalcemia or low bone mineral density. | | 4 | Monitor for hypocalcemia, especially in the first few days or weeks after administration. |
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| additional informations | | important notes | | 1 | Administration should be closely supervised by a physician, particularly initial doses. | | 2 | Careful attention should be paid to hydration status and fluid intake. |
| | patient information | Patients should be informed of the potential side effects and instructed to report any unusual symptoms to their doctor. | | monitoring | Regular monitoring of calcium levels is vital for patients taking this medication. The initial intravenous infusion is often followed by oral supplementation to prevent hypocalcemia. |
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| patient age weight specific details | The dosage and specific considerations for this 25-year-old male patient weighing 70 kg are best addressed by a healthcare professional based on the specific reasons for taking the medication. General patient information should be used as guidance, but individual assessments are necessary to avoid potential complications. |
