Clodronate is a drug to treat hypercalcemia due to cancer. This drug is also used in the treatment of bone pain or bone damage associated with the spread (metastasis) of cancer to the bones. Another name for this drug is clodronic acid or clodronate disodium .
Clodronate belongs to the bisphosphonate class of drugs. This drug works by inhibiting the absorption of calcium from the bones, so that calcium levels in the blood can be reduced. This way of working will also help strengthen bones, reduce the risk of fractures, and relieve bone pain.
Clodronate trademarks: Actabone, Bonefos, Clodronate Disodium Tetrahydrate
What is Clodronate
| class | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Bisphosphonate |
| Benefit | Treat hypercalcemia, bone damage, or bone pain, which is associated with the spread (metastasis) of cancer. |
| Used by | Mature |
| Clodronate for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Clodronate can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules and injections |
Precautions Before Using Clodronate
Follow the doctor's recommendations and advice while undergoing treatment with clodronate. Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Clodronate should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have any inflammation or disease of the digestive tract, including if you have severe nausea, vomiting , or stomach pain .
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease .
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Immediately consult a doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction , overdose, or serious side effects after using clodronate.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Clodronate
The dose of clodronate will be determined by the doctor according to the condition you want to treat and the form of the drug. In general, the following is the dose of clodronate based on the condition you want to treat:
Condition: Hypercalcemia due to cancer
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Drug form: Injection The
dose is 300 mg per day. The medicine will be given by infusion for 2 hours until the calcium level is normal. Duration of treatment 7 days. Alternate dose of 1,500 mg given by infusion over at least 4 hours.
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Drug form: Clodronate tablets or capsules
will be given as follow-up therapy after treatment with injectable clodronate. The dose is 1600–2400 mg per day, divided into 1–2 doses. The maximum dose is 3,200 mg per day.
Condition: Bone damage due to cancer cells that have spread to the bones
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Form of drug: Tablets or capsules
Initial dose of 1,600 mg per day, divided into 1-2 doses. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 3,200 mg per day.
How to Use Clodronate Correctly
Follow the doctor 's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking clodronate tablets or capsules. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Clodronate injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.
Clodronate in tablet or capsule form needs to be consumed intact. Do not suck, bite, or crush the medication. If you need to take clodronate in a single dose, take the drug immediately after waking up with a glass of water.
Be sure to take clodronate while sitting. Don't lie down and don't drink anything except water for at least 1 hour after taking the medicine.
If it is necessary to take the drug 2 times a day, take the first dose 1 hour before breakfast. Then, take the second dose at least 2 hours after eating and 1 hour before eating.
Try to take clodronate regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment. Do not stop taking this medication, except on doctor's orders.
If you forget to take clodronate, take the drug immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Check with your doctor regularly when using clodronate. Examinations are performed to monitor blood calcium levels and the effectiveness of clodronate.
Store clodronate in a closed container in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine away from sun exposure and keep the medicine out of reach of children.
Clodronate Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are drug interaction effects that can occur when using clodronate with other drugs:
- Reduced absorption of clodronate when used with antacids or iron supplements
- Increased risk of hypocalcemia, namely low levels of calcium in the blood, when used with corticosteroids , phosphates, loop diuretics , calcitonin, aminoglycoside class antibiotics
- Increased risk of impaired renal function if used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs )
In addition, taking clodronate with food or drinks other than water can lower blood levels of the drug.
Clodronate Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that can occur after using clodronate are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mouth irritation
- Urine looks cloudy
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Unusual feeling of weakness or tiredness
- Seizure
- Cramps in the muscles of the legs or arms
- Cramps or stomach ache
- Tremors or shaking
- Swelling of the face, hands or feet
- Sore throat