Which medication is commonly used to prevent osteoporosis?

• A. Bisphosphonates
• B. Calcitonin
• C. Thiazide diuretics
• D. Antibiotics

Answer: (A)

Preventing osteoporosis relies on medicines that slow bone loss. Bisphosphonates do this by binding to bone and inhibiting osteoclast activity, which reduces bone turnover and helps preserve or increase bone mineral density. This antiresorptive effect lowers fracture risk, making bisphosphonates a common choice for prevention and treatment, with examples like alendronate and risedronate. Other options have different roles: calcitonin is another antiresorptive but less commonly used for ongoing prevention today; thiazide diuretics can modestly raise calcium levels but aren’t primary preventive drugs for osteoporosis; antibiotics have no role in osteoporosis prevention.