Clodronic acid

Clodronic acid (INN) or clodronate disodium (USAN) is a first generation (non-nitrogenous) bisphosphonate. It is an anti-osteoporotic drug approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and men to reduce vertebral fractures, hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia in malignancy, multiple myeloma and fracture related pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects shown as a reduction in inflammatory markers like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. While bisphosphonates are shown to be effective in reducing vertebral fractures and pain, their role in improving overall survival remains unclear. Clodronic acid (INN) or clodronate disodium (USAN) is a first generation (non-nitrogenous) bisphosphonate. It is an anti-osteoporotic drug approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and men to reduce vertebral fractures, hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia in malignancy, multiple myeloma and fracture related pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects shown as a reduction in inflammatory markers like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. While bisphosphonates are shown to be effective in reducing vertebral fractures and pain, their role in improving overall survival remains unclear. An Italian study compared the analgesic effect of clodronic acid versus acetaminophen in rheumatic condition related pain. Study result show a reduction in pain in favor of clodronic acid that provided more analgesia than 3 grams/day of acetaminophen. Clodronic acid is also used in experimental medicine to selectively deplete macrophages.