Zoledronic Acid
Reclast (zoledronic acid) is a bisphosphonate medication administered as an annual intravenous infusion used to treat and prevent bone thinning disorders. It is primarily prescribed for osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women, Paget's disease of bone, and bone loss associated with corticosteroid use.
Reclast is a yearly IV infusion bisphosphonate that strengthens bones by reducing bone breakdown, used to treat osteoporosis and related conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 705872
- Generic
- Reclast
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Reclast treats osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men, Paget's disease of bone, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. It is also used to prevent bone complications in patients with certain cancers affecting the bones.
As a bisphosphonate, Reclast binds to bone mineral and is absorbed by osteoclasts (bone-breaking cells), inhibiting their activity and causing them to undergo cell death, which reduces bone resorption and increases bone density.
Administered once yearly by IV infusion over at least 15 minutes. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, headache) especially after the first dose. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is required. Rare but serious risks include osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures. Must be used cautiously in patients with kidney impairment. Dental examination is recommended before starting treatment.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy