Bisphosphonate

In medicine, bisphosphonates are medications which "contain P-C-P bonds, where P stands for phosphonates or phosphonic acids. These compounds affect calcium metabolism. They inhibit ectopic calcification and slow down bone resorption and bone turnover. Technetium complexes of diphosphonates have been used successfully as bone scanning agents."

Bisphosphonates are used to prevent fractures among patients with osteoporosis or low bone mass.

Examples of bisphosphonates include alendronate, risedronate, etidronate, ibandronate, pamidronate, and zoledronic acid.