bisphosphonate

noun

bis·​phos·​pho·​nate ˌbis-ˈfäs-fə-ˌnāt 

: any of a group of drugs that slow the breakdown of bone by osteoclasts

Examples of bisphosphonate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oral bisphosphonates may cause swelling and pain in the lower esophagus, Vivek Kaul, MD, a professor of medicine in the gastroenterology and hepatology division at the University of Rochester Medical Center, told Health. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 29 Oct. 2023

Missions that go as far as Mars will have to make sure astronauts have supplements such as bisphosphonate, which is used to prevent bone breakdown in osteoporosis. —Rachael Seidler, Discover Magazine, 22 Sep. 2023

Some antibiotics, bisphosphonates, and thyroid medications can interfere with calcium absorption or effectiveness. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2023

Magnesium supplements can decrease the absorption of certain medications, such as oral bisphosphonates, tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. —Willow Jarosh, Ms, Rd, Health, 27 June 2023

People who have had this kind of reaction should not take bisphosphonates again. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 15 Feb. 2023

Bone-Strengthening Drugs Drugs for osteoporosis known as bisphosphonates—including alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), and risedronate (Actonel)—are notorious for causing heartburn.9 Some formulations that are taken less frequently may be easier on the stomach. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 6 Mar. 2023

Severe bone, joint and muscle pain are rarely reported after taking both pill and infusion forms of bisphosphonate drugs. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 15 Feb. 2023

Advanced cases of osteoporosis require more potent pharmacologic therapy in addition to vitamin D and calcium, such as a bisphosphonate drug. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 4 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

bis + phosphonic acid (an acid obtained from phosphine) + -ate entry 1

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bisphosphonate

noun

bis·​phos·​pho·​nate

ˌbis-ˈfäs-fə-ˌnāt

: any of a group of drugs (such as alendronate or etidronate) that slow the breakdown of bone by osteoclasts

… among the pharmacological approaches for treating osteoporosis, use of bisphosphonates increases bone mineral density and reduces the risk of vertebral fractures.

—Charles Marwick, The Journal of the American Medical Association

called also diphosphonate

Note: Bisphonates are analogs of pyrophosphate and contain two phosphate groups attached to a central carbon atom that replaces the oxygen atom in pyrophosphate.