[Pharmacological actions and pharmacokinetics of bisphosphonates].

Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of osteoclastic bone resorption and have been used for the treatment of various metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis and hypercalcemia of malignancy. However, the pharmacological action, the mechanism of action, and even side effects vary depending on the chemical structure of the side chain attached to the carbon atom of P-C-P bond. This review discussed about the pharmacological characteristics and possible application of different classes of bisphosphonates with different side chains.