Home > Medical Reference > Drug Notes (English)

Etidronate (Injection)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to etidronate, or if you have kidney disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
This medicine is given over a period of two hours or longer. Your intravenous (IV) tube will need to remain in place for the entire time.
The treatment will be repeated for 3 or more days. Be sure to keep all scheduled appointments to receive the correct amount of this medicine.
After you receive the full IV treatment, your doctor may ask you to start using the tablet form of this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.
Skin rash, hives, or itching.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Changes in or loss of taste.
Metallic taste in the mouth.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor:

Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

Connect with UMMC

© 2011 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System,
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. TDD: 1-800-735-2258 or 1.866.408.6885

Home > Medical Reference > Drug Notes (English)

Etidronate (Injection)

Introduction:

Etidronate (e-ti-DROE-nate)

Treats high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) that sometimes occur in patients with cancer.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.