Ibandronic acid
A nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate used to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis by strengthening bones and reducing fracture risk.
It acts by inhibiting osteoclast activity, effectively slowing down bone breakdown and improving bone density.
Ibandronate slows the cells that break down bone (osteoclasts), which restores balance in the remodeling process and increases bone density.
Routes of administration include oral, and intravenous.
Overview Ibandronate (brand name Boniva) is
It is available as a daily or monthly oral tablet, or a 3-month injection.
Bioavailability 0.6%.
Protein binding 90.9 to 99.5%.
Metabolism essentially none.
Biological half-life 10 to 60 hours.
Excretion is renal.
A potent bisphosphonate drug used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and metastasis-associated skeletal fractures in people with cancer.
May also be used to treat hypercalcemia.
Indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
In a three-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial women with post-menopausal osteoporosis, and every participant also received daily oral doses of calcium and 400IUs of vitamin D: the drug significantly reduced the occurrence risk of new vertebral fractures by 50–52 percent when compared to the effects of the placebo drug.
Ibandronate is also efficacious for the prevention of metastasis-related bone fractures in multiple myeloma, breast cancer, and certain other cancers.
May be associated with severe and sometimes incapacitating bone, joint and/or muscle pain.
Long-term use of bisphosphonates, may increase the risk of a rare but serious fracture of the femur.
Ibandronate has not been shown to reduce the risk for hip fractures and has a variable is efficacy and non vertebral/nonhip fracture reduction, but it does reduce the risk for vertebral fractures as all other agents do.
Ibandronate is therefore considered a second agent for osteoporosis.
Common Side Effects: Digestive issues such as diarrhea, stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, and heartburn, as well as pain in the arms or legs, or back pain.
Drug Interactions: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the risk of esophageal or gastric ulcers.
It should not be taken with food, drinks (other than plain water), or other medications.
Administration Guidelines (Oral): Must be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning with 6–8 oz of plain water, at least 60 minutes before any food, drink, or other medication.
Patients must stay upright (not lie down) for at least 60 minutes after taking it to prevent esophageal damage.
It is not recommended for those with severe renal impairment.