Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:56
Estrogen-Like Effect of Bazi Bushen Capsule in Ovariectomized Rats
Published on: April 7, 2023
Strontium ranelate for preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis
S O'Donnell1, A Cranney, G A Wells
1Ottawa Hospital, Division of Rheumatology, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 21, 2006
Summary
Strontium ranelate effectively reduces vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in postmenopausal osteoporosis, also increasing bone mineral density. While diarrhea is a possible side effect, serious adverse events were not significantly increased.
Area of Science:
- Osteoporosis Treatment and Prevention
- Pharmacological Interventions for Bone Health
Background:
- Osteoporosis poses a significant health risk to postmenopausal women.
- Strontium ranelate is a novel therapeutic agent for osteoporosis requiring efficacy and safety evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of strontium ranelate in treating and preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis.
- Evaluate strontium ranelate's impact on fracture incidence, bone mineral density (BMD), and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with at least one year duration.
- Included studies compared strontium ranelate versus placebo in postmenopausal women, focusing on fracture data, BMD, and safety outcomes.
- Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- Strontium ranelate (2 g daily) demonstrated a 37% reduction in vertebral fractures and a 14% reduction in non-vertebral fractures over three years.
- Significant increases in bone mineral density (BMD) were observed at all measured sites in both treatment and prevention populations.
- Diarrhea was a noted side effect, but adverse events did not lead to increased treatment discontinuation or serious adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Silver level evidence supports strontium ranelate's efficacy in reducing fractures and increasing BMD in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.
- While diarrhea is a potential adverse event, strontium ranelate (2 g daily) appears safe regarding serious side effects and treatment withdrawal.
- Further investigation into potential vascular and neurological side effects associated with strontium ranelate is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
Angina pectoris, a primary symptom of ischemic heart disease, requires careful pharmacological interventions. In this context, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and ranolazine have emerged as crucial pharmacotherapeutic agents, providing deep insights into the complexities of angina management.
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...
01:20Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers
Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, block calcium channels. They primarily affect the heart, slowing the conduction in calcium-dependent tissues like the SA and AV nodes. These drugs manage reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and reduce ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation.
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
01:17Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...