There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.
From the FDA Drug Label
Clinical studies in patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM) showed that single-dose infusions of zoledronic acid injection are associated with decreases in serum calcium and phosphorus and increases in urinary calcium and phosphorus excretion
Zometa (Zoledronate) decreases serum calcium and phosphorus levels, whereas calcium or phosphate supplements would increase these levels. Therefore, Zometa has an opposite effect compared to calcium or phosphate supplements. 1 1
From the Research
Comparison of Zometa (Zoledronate) with Calcium or Phosphate Supplements
- Zometa (Zoledronate) is a bisphosphonate that inhibits bone resorption, whereas calcium and phosphate supplements are used to support bone health by providing essential nutrients for bone formation 2, 3.
- In a study comparing zoledronate with alendronate, another bisphosphonate, zoledronate was found to be more effective in improving bone mineral density and reducing bone remodeling in women with post-menopausal osteoporosis 4.
- There is no direct comparison between Zometa (Zoledronate) and calcium or phosphate supplements in the provided studies, but it can be inferred that Zometa (Zoledronate) has a more targeted mechanism of action in inhibiting bone resorption, whereas calcium and phosphate supplements provide general support for bone health 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A study on the controlled release of bisphosphonate from a calcium phosphate biomaterial found that zoledronate-loaded calcium phosphate biomaterial inhibited osteoclastic resorption in vitro, suggesting a potential synergy between calcium phosphate and zoledronate in inhibiting bone resorption 5.
Efficacy of Zometa (Zoledronate) in Bone-Related Disorders
- Zometa (Zoledronate) has been shown to be effective in reducing skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma or bone metastases secondary to breast cancer, prostate cancer, or other solid tumors 3, 6.
- Zometa (Zoledronate) has also been found to be effective in treating hypercalcemia of malignancy, with a faster response and longer duration of action compared to pamidronate 3, 6.
- The efficacy of Zometa (Zoledronate) in improving bone mineral density and reducing bone remodeling has been demonstrated in women with post-menopausal osteoporosis 4.