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

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

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 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.

Side effects of Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Common side effects of this drug are:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea

Precautions and Warnings of Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Pregnancy

Can I take Ursodeoxycholic acid during pregnancy?

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.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Ursodeoxycholic acid while breastfeeding?

Consult a doctor before taking Ursodeoxycholic acid while breastfeeding as limited safety information is available.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Ursodeoxycholic acid?

It is not expected that Ursodeoxycholic acid may affect your driving ability.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Ursodeoxycholic acid?

No known interaction between alcohol and Ursodeoxycholic acid, consult your doctor if you have a habit of regular drinking.

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.

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...

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

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD CCEBDM Diabetology

REVIEWED BY

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.

References

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Last Updated on: 24 Nov 2021 | 10:17 AM (IST)

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