Abstract: A class of active agents, and articles and compositions containing them and methods for treating human patients with them, which inhibit bone resorption of all types. This class of active agents comprises phosphodiester inhibiting compositions which inhibit any of interleukin 1 (IL1), interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), which are cytokines that mediate bone resorption. Exemplary compositions in this class include: pentoxifylline; isobutylmethyl xanthine; ciprofloxacin; rolipram; terferol; and the quinolones generally. Each of these IL1/IL6/TNF inhibitors may be administered alone or in combination by a variety of delivery routes and dosage forms, and they may optionally be administered in conjunction with additional active agents including but not limited to metal chelators.