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molecule

Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Molecule Description

Ursodeoxycholic acid is used to dissolve gall stones in various liver-related d

isorders such as cirrhosis, sclerosing cholangitis and liver dysfunction. It acts as a dissolving agent, which reduces the cholesterol content in bile. It is available in the form of tablets, capsules and syrup. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding and about all the medicines and supplements you take and all the conditions or diseases you suffer from, before starting ursodeoxycholic acid.

uses

Uses of Ursodeoxycholic Acid

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid is used to dissolve gallbladder stones that are made of cholesterol in various liver-related disorders such as cirrhosis and sclerosing cholangitis.
  • It is also useful in liver dysfunction associated with cystic fibrosis (a hereditary disease that affects the lungs and digestive system).
contraindications

Contraindications of Ursodeoxycholic Acid

When should one not use Ursodeoxycholic Acid

  • If you are allergic to Ursodeoxycholic acid or similar medicines.
  • If you are suffering from a liver or intestinal condition which affects the circulation of bile substances like blockage of the bile duct.
  • If you are suffering from inflammation/blockage of the gall bladder or biliary tract.
  • If you have a liver-related disorder and non-functional gall bladder.
  • If you have recently had surgery involving any part of your intestine.
  • If you have a stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding.
sideEffects

Side effects of Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Ursodeoxycholic Acid

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Ursodeoxycholic acid during pregnancy?
A:
Consult a doctor before taking Ursodeoxycholic acid during pregnancy as limited safety data is available in pregnant women. Women of childbearing age should use non-hormonal contraceptive measures (physical barrier) or low oestrogen oral contraceptive pills.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Ursodeoxycholic acid while breastfeeding?
A:
Consult a doctor before taking Ursodeoxycholic acid while breastfeeding as limited safety information is available.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have taken Ursodeoxycholic acid?
A:
It is not expected that Ursodeoxycholic acid may affect your driving ability.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Ursodeoxycholic acid?
A:
No known interaction between alcohol and Ursodeoxycholic acid, consult your doctor if you have a habit of regular drinking.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • You have a history of liver disease or obstruction in bile passage.
  • You experience persistent diarrhoea.
  • Avoid a high cholesterol diet during the treatment.
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Ursodeoxycholic Acid

How Does It Work?

Ursodeoxycholic acid works as a dissolving agent and thus reduces the cholesterol content in bile and controls the blood's amount of cholesterol. It is also known to control the synthesis of cholester...
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interactions

Interactions of Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Interactions with other medicines

  • Some medicines can affect the way ursodeoxycholic acid works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time. Tell your doctor about all the medicines, s...
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  • Concomitant use of Ursodeoxycholic acid along with cholesterol-lowering medicines such as cholestyramine or colestipol and some antacids may reduce Ursodeoxycholic acid’s efficacy. So, it should be ta...
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  • Contraceptive pills should not be used simultaneously with this medicine.
  • Medicines that may affect Ursodeoxycholic acid’s absorption are charcoal and antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, immunosuppressants like ciclosporin, cholesterol-lowering medicines like atorvastatin and d...
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Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD CCEBDM Diabetology

REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: What are gall stones?

A: Gall stones are hardened deposits of digestive juices formed in the gall bladder (a small organ found under the liver). It mainly occurs due to increased cholesterol content in bile juice.

Q: In which all dosage forms is Ursodeoxycholic acid available?

A: Ursodeoxycholic acid is available in the form of tablets, capsules and syrup.
Last Updated on: 24 Nov 2021 | 10:17 AM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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