Advanced Pharmacology Nurs 5334 UT Arlington
Week 7 Endocrine Drugs Mini Quiz Questions and
Answers
Bisphosphonates Indications - ...ANSWER...✓✓ Treatment
and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis,
glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, osteoporosis in
men, Paget's disease of bone, hypercalcemia of
malignancy, and prevention of bone loss in certain
cancers (e.g., multiple myeloma, metastatic bone
disease).
Bisphosphonates Mechanism of action - ...ANSWER...✓✓
Bind to hydroxyapatite in bone and are internalized by
osteoclasts, inhibiting farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in
the mevalonate pathway, leading to osteoclast apoptosis
and reduced bone resorption.
Bisphosphonates Pharmacokinetics - ...ANSWER...✓✓
Poor oral bioavailability (1-5% for oral forms), extensive
binding to bone matrix with long skeletal half-life (up to
10 years), primarily renal excretion of unbound drug, no
hepatic metabolism. IV forms (e.g., zoledronic acid,
pamidronate) have 100% bioavailability.
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Bisphosphonates Adverse Effects - ...ANSWER...✓✓
Gastrointestinal (esophagitis, ulcers, dysphagia for oral
agents), hypocalcemia, acute-phase reaction (flu-like
symptoms with IV), musculoskeletal pain, osteonecrosis
of the jaw (ONJ), atypical femoral fractures, ocular
inflammation (uveitis, conjunctivitis).
Bisphosphonates Drug Interactions - ...ANSWER...✓✓
Calcium supplements, antacids, and multivitamins reduce
absorption (separate by 2 hours); NSAIDs increase GI
irritation risk; potential nephrotoxicity with diuretics or
other renally cleared drugs.
Bisphosphonates Black Box Warnings - ...ANSWER...✓✓
None, but serious warnings for ONJ (higher risk with IV
and long-term use), atypical femoral fractures, and
severe musculoskeletal pain.
Alendronate - Indication, Drug Class, Dosing -
...ANSWER...✓✓ Drug Class: Bisphosphonate. Indications:
Postmenopausal osteoporosis (treatment and
prevention), glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis,
osteoporosis in men, Paget's disease. Dosing:
Osteoporosis treatment: 10 mg orally daily or 70 mg orally
weekly; prevention: 5 mg daily or 35 mg weekly; Paget's:
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40 mg daily for 6 months. Take with water on empty
stomach, remain upright for 30 minutes.
Risedronate - Indication, Drug Class, Dosing -
...ANSWER...✓✓ Drug Class: Bisphosphonate. Indications:
Postmenopausal osteoporosis (treatment and
prevention), glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis,
osteoporosis in men, Paget's disease. Dosing:
Osteoporosis: 5 mg orally daily, 35 mg weekly, or 150 mg
monthly; Paget's: 30 mg daily for 2 months. Take with
water on empty stomach, remain upright for 30 minutes.
Zoledronic Acid - Indication, Drug Class, Dosing -
...ANSWER...✓✓ Drug Class: Bisphosphonate. Indications:
Postmenopausal osteoporosis, glucocorticoid-induced
osteoporosis, osteoporosis in men, Paget's disease,
hypercalcemia of malignancy, bone metastases. Dosing:
Osteoporosis: 5 mg IV once yearly; Paget's: 5 mg IV once;
hypercalcemia: 4 mg IV once (may repeat after 7 days).
Ensure adequate hydration and monitor renal function.
Etidronate - Indication, Drug Class, Dosing -
...ANSWER...✓✓ Drug Class: Bisphosphonate. Indications:
Paget's disease, heterotopic ossification, hypercalcemia
of malignancy. Dosing: Paget's: 5-10 mg/kg orally daily for