Didronel IV Side Effects

Generic name: etidronate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 9, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Didronel IV Side Effects associated with etidronate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Didronel IV.

Applies to etidronate: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Didronel IV

Along with its needed effects, etidronate (the active ingredient contained in Didronel IV) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking etidronate:

More common

• bone pain or tenderness (increased, continuing, or returning—in patients with Paget's disease)

Less common

• bone fractures, especially of the thigh bone

Rare

• abdominal or stomach pain or burning
• bloody, black, or tarry stools
• chest pain
• chills
• cough or hoarseness
• fever
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• hives
• lower back or side pain
• noisy breathing
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• skin rash or itching
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or inside the mouth
• swelling of the arms, legs, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• swollen glands
• tightness in the chest
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Incidence not known

• blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
• bone, joint, or muscle pain that is severe and occasionally disabling
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• difficulty in moving
• difficulty in swallowing
• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• heartburn
• heavy jaw feeling
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loosening of a tooth
• loss of interest or pleasure
• loss of memory
• pain or burning in the throat
• pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw
• problems with memory
• rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
• red irritated eyes
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• redness or discoloration of the skin
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking etidronate:

Symptoms of overdose

• abdominal or stomach cramps
• confusion
• convulsions
• difficulty in breathing
• irregular heartbeats
• mood or mental changes
• muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
• shortness of breath
• tremor

Other side effects of Didronel IV

Some side effects of etidronate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

- at higher doses

• diarrhea
• nausea

Incidence not known

• burning feeling in the chest or stomach
• hair loss, thinning of hair
• headache
• indigestion
• leg cramps
• stomach upset
• tenderness in the stomach area

For healthcare professionals

Applies to etidronate: intravenous solution, oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Burning of the tongue
• Frequency not reported: Exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease including perforation in a few patients, gastritis
• Postmarketing reports: Esophagitis; glossitis, duodenal ulcer^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal side effects are more common with higher doses (10 to 20 mg/kg) and may be alleviated by dividing the daily dose.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Erythema multiforme, alopecia
• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, follicular eruption, macular rash, maculopapular rash, pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, urticaria, rash, pruritus^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthropathies (arthralgia and arthritis)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures
• Frequency not reported: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), leg cramps, increased or recurrent bone pain at pagetic sites and onset of pain at previously asymptomatic sites
• Postmarketing reports: Bone fracture, osteomalacia^[Ref]

At higher doses the incidence of increased or recurrent bone pain at pagetic sites and/or onset of pain at previously asymptomatic sites rise. When therapy continues, pain resolves in some patients but persists in others.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Confusion
• Postmarketing reports: Depression, hallucination^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Paresthesia, peripheral neuropathy
• Frequency not reported: Headache
• Postmarketing reports: Neuropsychiatric events including amnesia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Exacerbation of asthma^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Leukopenia, agranulocytosis pancytopenia^[Ref]

Further information

Didronel IV side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer