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pl. n.
a class of drugs that inhibit the resorption of bone by blocking the action of osteoclast. This property makes them useful for treating certain bone disorders, such as Paget's disease and osteoporosis, as well as malignant disease - especially in terms of pain relief but also in the treatment of hypercalcaemia due to cancer. Bisphosphonates include etidronate, pamidronate (Aredia), alendronate (Fosamax), and clodronate.
Medical dictionary. 2011.