R-groups determine the chemical properties of the drug, and distinguishes individual types of<unk> s. This chemical structure affords a high affinity for calcium hydroxyapatite, allowing for rapid and specific skeletal targeting.<unk> s are a class of drugs that prevent the loss of bone density, used to treat osteoporosis and similar diseases. They are the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat osteoporosis. They are called<unk> s because they have two phosphonate () groups. They are thus also called diphosphonates (bis- or di- + phosphonate). Evidence shows that they reduce the risk of fracture in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. Bone tissue undergoes constant remodeling and is kept in balance (homeostasis) by osteoblasts creating bone and osteoclasts destroying bone.<unk> s inhibit the digestion of bone by encouraging osteoclasts to undergo apoptosis, or cell death, thereby slowing bone loss. The uses of<unk> s include the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, bone metastasis (with or without hypercalcemia), multiple myeloma, primary hyperparathyroidism, osteogenesis imperfecta, fibrous dysplasia, and other conditions that exhibit bone fragility.
Bisphosphonate
Phosphate binder
Pamidronic acid
Etidronic acid
Sulfonylurea
Allopurinol
Risedronic acid
Alendronic acid