Zoledronic Acid (Reclast): Osteoporosis Medication

Zoledronic Acid (Reclast): Osteoporosis Medication

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Zoledronic Acid (Reclast): Osteoporosis Medication
Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which bones are weakened, become fragile, and have a high breakage likelihood. Zoledronic Acid (Reclast) is among the first considered medications for the condition. In a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study, Nakamura et al. (2017) concluded that zoledronic acid 5mg once-yearly infusion was influential in the treatment and prevention of primary & secondary osteoporosis. In a different randomized clinical trial focusing on frail older adults, Greenspan et al (2015) investigated the efficacy and safety of single dose zoledronic acid for osteoporosis. Findings indicated improvement in bone density and reduced bone turnover within two years.
The medication is part of the larger bisphosphonates class and works by increasing bone density, decreasing calcium release from bones into the blood, and slowing down bone breakdown. The medication (injection) should be used with caution alongside other nephrotoxic drugs. According to the FDA (2015), monitoring involves keen observation of standard hypercalcemia-related metabolic parameters, including serum creatinine, magnesium, calcium, and phosphate. Before injection (each dose), clinical considerations include a blood test to establish kidney function (or creatinine levels) and a routine oral examination. It is further advisable for the patient to drin...