Ibandronate.

Ibandronate (ibandronic acid) is a third generation bisphosphonate which inhibits hone resorption in human and animal studies. It also inhibits bone formation only at high doses (10 microg/kg/day) in animal studies. In animal models, ibandronate was more potent than etidronate, clodronate, pamidronate and alendronate and equivalent in potency or more potent than risedronate in inhibiting induced hypercalcaemia and bone resorption. In clinical studies, single-dose ibandronate (0.2 to 6 mg intravenously) significantly reduced albumin-corrected serum calcium levels and urinary markers of bone resorption in patients with hypercalcaemia of malignancy, and in those with bone metastases. Serum calcium levels were normalised in 50 and 67% of ibandronate 2 mg recipients and in about 76% of 4 mg recipients. In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia. ibandronate (0.5 to 5 mg/day orally or 0.5 to 2 mg every 3 months intravenously) dose-dependently increased bone mineral density, with parallel reductions in the biochemical markers of bone turnover. In preliminary studies in patients with Paget's disease a single intravenous ibandronate dose (2mg) decreased serum alkaline phosphatase levels and urinary markers of bone turnover. Adverse events associated with the use of ibandronate in the management of hypercalcaemia of malignancy include increased body temperature, hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia. Less commonly, flu-like symptoms and gastrointestinal intolerance may occur.