Which drug is used to manage osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption?

The -dronate compounds, which include bisphosphonates such as alendronate, risedronate, and zoledronic acid, are specifically used to manage osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption. These medications act by binding to hydroxyapatite in bone, inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts—the cells responsible for bone resorption. This leads to an increase in bone density and reduces the risk of fractures in patients with osteoporosis.

In contrast, the other options do not play a role in osteoporosis management. Allopurinol is primarily used to lower uric acid levels in conditions like gout. Isoniazid is an antibiotic used in treating tuberculosis, and valproic acid is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medication. Therefore, the -dronate compounds are uniquely effective in managing osteoporosis through their mechanism of inhibiting bone resorption.