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

Keep In Mind Magnesium supplements can interact with bisphosphonates, antibiotics, diuretics, and proton pump inhibitors. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2024

Certain medications should not be taken with magnesium, including certain antibiotics, PPI drugs, diuretics, bisphosphonates, and high doses of zinc. —Laura Schober, Health, 3 Sep. 2024

Both bisphosphonates and phosphate salts can reduce calcium levels in the body and taking them together can cause very low calcium levels, which can be dangerous to health. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 July 2024

Magnesium decreases the absorption of bisphosphonates, which are often used to treat osteoporosis. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2024

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.