Didronel Etidronate Disodium and/or alternatives

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Etidronate Disodium 200mg

Generic Alternative to Didronel 200mg
Marketed as Co-Etidronate in Canada Manufacturer: Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc. Source Country : Canada
Shipped from : Canada

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Description of Didronel

Didronel is an oral drug used in the treatment of Paget’s disease. This disease affects bone formation and strength. The active ingredient present in Didronel is etidronate, which works by inhibiting the action of certain chemicals present in the body responsible for bone removal (known as osteoclasts), thus increasing bone density. Didronel belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates and is generically known as Etidronate disodium.

Patients can buy Didronel as 200mg and 400mg tablets. Each tablet is composed of the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and starch.

Indications & Dosage of Didronel

Patients may be instructed by a doctor to buy Didronel as medication for any of the following conditions :

• Bone weakening, deformity, bone pain, arthritis and increased risk of fracture as a result of Paget’s disease in adults.
• Heterotrophic ossification following total replacement of the hip or caused due to injury to the spinal cord (preventive treatment).

Efficacy of Didronel as a medication for osteoporosis has not been established.

The dosage of Didronel depends on the age, body weight, medical history, present medical requirements and other drugs being taken by the patient. The usual recommended dosage is, however, as follows :

• For patients suffering from Paget’s disease, 5-10mg/kg of body weight, taken daily for a period not exceeding 6 months or 11-20mg/kg of body weight daily for up to a maximum period of 3 months.
• For patients suffering from spinal cord injury, initial daily dose is 20mg/kg of body weight up to a period of 2 weeks, followed by a reduced daily dose of 10mg/kg of body weight for 10 weeks.
• For patients requiring total hip replacement, heterotrophic ossification can be prevented by 20mg/kg of body weight daily for one month preceding surgery and for three months after it.

Food, especially dairy products should be avoided for at least two hours before using Didronel.

Side Effects & Interactions of Didronel

Some of the more common side effects of Didronel which do not require medical attention (unless they worsen or become bothersome) are as follows:

• Stomach troubles like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas
• Nausea, vomiting
• Hair loss
• Headache

There are certain side effects of Didronel which may be indicative of serious disorders caused due to this medication. The following side effects should be immediately reported to a doctor:

• Jaw pain
• Bone or joint pain, muscle ache
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Frequent changes in mood or mental condition
• Heartburns
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Chest pain
• Black or tarry stool
• Vomit resembling coffee grounds

Didronel is used to interact with certain drugs like NSAIDs, antacids and blood thinning medications. It is also known to interact with minerals like calcium, aluminum, iron and magnesium.

Dairy products interact with Didronel.

It is best if you inform the doctor about all current drugs being used, in order to reduce the risk of adverse interactions.

Warnings & Precautions of Didronel

The safety of Didronel during pregnancy and in nursing women has not been established.

Didronel may result in two serious health disorders: osteomalacia and Osteonecrosis.