Topical Nitroglycerin for Osteoporosis: Old Drug New Application

Abstract

ABSTRACT Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease characterized by a decrease in the bone mass and density, which can lead to an increased risk of fracture. Multiple treatments have been formulated for it like calcium, vitamin D supplements, bisphosphonates, raloxifene, hormone replacement therapies, teriparatide and calcitonin. However, all of these have their own shortcomings. Topical nitroglycerin is a cost-effective, novel medication that not only increases bone formation but also decreases its resorption, and also has the potential to decrease vertebral fractures more than that provided by the existing treatments. Therefore, it could be the answer to the need of an efficacious, cost-effective, affordable, safe and a convenient form of therapy for the prevention of post-menopausal bone loss and osteoporosis as a whole. Therefore, we recommend that individuals with osteoporosis be treated with topical nitroglycerin ointment (15 mg/day). How to cite this article Malhotra J, Garg R, Agrawal P, Agarwal A, Singh O. Topical Nitroglycerin for Osteoporosis: Old Drug New Application. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2016;8(1):1-3.