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 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
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.
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
Q:
Can I drive if I have taken Ursodeoxycholic acid?
A:
It is not expected that Ursodeoxycholic acid may affect your driving ability.
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.
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 cholesterol and absorption from the intestine....
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, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction....
- 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 taken between the gap of 2 hours at least....
- 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 dapsone used as an anti-infective. Thus, it should not be used concomitantly....
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
View All
- CDSCO [Internet]. Cdscoonline.gov.in. 2021 [cited 22 November 2021]
- DESTOLIT 150 mg tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2021 [cited 22 November 2021]
- DESTOLIT 150 mg tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2021 [cited 22 November 2021]
- URSO Forte (ursodiol) tablets, for oral use, USP [Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021 [cited 22 November 2021]
- Ursodiol [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [cited 22 November 2021]
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