Pamidronic acid marketed as Aredia among others, is a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate used to prevent osteoporosis.
Pregnancy category AU: B3
Routes of administration- Intravenous
Protein binding 54%
Metabolism -Nil
Elimination half-life 28 ± 7 hours
Excretion Renal
Common side effects include bone pain, low calcium levels, nausea, and dizziness.
Pamidronate disodium is a bone resorption inhibitor that absorbs calcium phosphate crystals and prevents the dissolution of this mineral.
It also inhibits osteoclast activity in the bone.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare complication which has been associated with the use of bisphosphonates, including pamidronate.
Pamidronate activates human γδ T cells in vitro and in vivo, which may lead to flu-like symptoms upon administration.
Relative potency
Bisphosphonate Relative potency Etidronate 1 Tiludronate 10 Pamidronate 100 Alendronate 100-500 Ibandronate 500-1000 Risedronate 1000 Zoledronate 5000