What are bisphosphonates primarily used to treat?

Bisphosphonates are primarily used to treat osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. These medications work by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption. By reducing the breakdown of bone tissue, bisphosphonates help to maintain or increase bone density, thereby decreasing the likelihood of fractures in individuals, particularly postmenopausal women and older adults who are at higher risk for osteoporosis.

The other listed conditions, such as hypertension, heart arrhythmias, and infections, do not fall under the scope of treatment for bisphosphonates. Each of these conditions has its own specific class of medications designed to manage them effectively. Hypertension is typically treated with antihypertensives, heart arrhythmias may be managed with antiarrhythmics, and infections are usually treated with antibiotics or antivirals, not bisphosphonates. This underscores the importance of understanding the therapeutic applications of different drug classes in pharmacology.