Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Ursodiol
Description
Ursodeoxycholic Acid, commonly known as Ursodiol, is a naturally occurring bile
acid produced in small amounts by the liver. It is used to treat various liver and gallbladder disorders. Ursodiol helps in conditions such as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), cholesterol-based gallstones, and certain liver problems linked to cystic fibrosis. Its primary action is to reduce bile cholesterol, making it less likely that cholesterol will form stones and improving bile flow within the liver. Ursodeoxycholic Acid works by replacing more harmful bile acids, protecting liver cells, and promoting smoother bile movement. Because liver conditions often take time to improve, Ursodiol treatment is usually long-term, lasting several months or longer. It is generally taken after meals, and dosing varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s body weight. Common side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, itching, rash, or temporary hair thinning. While not everyone experiences these effects, any persistent or bothersome symptoms should be discussed with a doctor. Ursodiol is considered safe when used under medical supervision, especially with regular follow-up to monitor liver function.
Uses
- Gallbladder stone
- Gallstone prevention (in obese patients who are prone to develop gallstones)
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
Contraindications
When should one not use Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Ursodiol
- Do not take this medicine if you have:
- Blockage in the bile duct
- Allergy to any of its contents
- Acute inflammation (redness and swelling) of gallbladder or bile duct
- An impaired contractility of gallbladder
- An active gastric or duodenal ulcer
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Ursodiol during pregnancy?
A:
The effect of Ursodiol on the fetus is not known. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will tell you about the use of Ursodiol after assessing the benefits of it over risks.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Ursodiol while breastfeeding?
A:
A small amount of medicine passes into breast milk. Limited information is available about its safety in breastfeeding, hence do not take this medicine unless considered essential by your physician.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Ursodiol?
A:
No information is available on the ability to drive any vehicle or use machines. However, if you observe or experience any side effects, it is advised not to drive a vehicle or use machines. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Ursodiol?
A:
Alcohol is better avoided as it may hinder the liver protective action of this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have severe stomach pain, nausea and vomiting after taking this medicine
- You have liver or kidney disease
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
It helps in dissolving cholesterol and prevents its production in the liver and absorption from the intestine, thereby preventing gallstones. It also decreases the level of elevated bile acids that may be harmful to the liver....
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Estrogen preparations reduce the efficacy of Ursodiol
- Do not consume any acidity medication that contains aluminium or lipid-lowering compounds like Cholestyramine or Colestipol (which are bile acid sequestrants) an hour before or two hours after taking Ursodiol...
- Cyclosporine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Rosuvastatin
Interactions with food items
No information is available on interactions of Ursodiol when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
Dietary Restrictions
No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Ursodiol, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
Dosage
Overdose
In case you overdose, you may experience diarrhea. You must contact your physician immediately or visit the nearest medical emergency centre.
Missed a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it once you recollect. If it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with the routine dosage.
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 should be discussed with my health care expert before I start the medication of Ursodiol?
- Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy
- Inform him if you are allergic to any food or medicinal substance
- Inflammation of the gallbladder, bile duct, or pancreas should be reported or if suspected should be discussed with your doctor
- Ursodiol can interact with many other medicines. Hence, the doctor needs to know about all the medications that you are consuming
Q: What is Ursodeoxycholic Acid used for?
A: Ursodeoxycholic Acid is used to treat various liver and gallbladder disorders. It helps in conditions such as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), cholesterol-based gallstones, and certain liver problems linked to cystic fibrosis.
Q: What side effects can it cause?
A: Some people may experience stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, itching, rash, or mild hair thinning. These are usually temporary, but consult your doctor if they persist.
Q: Do I need long-term treatment
A: Because liver conditions often take time to improve, treatment is usually long-term, lasting several months or longer. Consult your doctor regarding exact duration of your treatment.
Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?
A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose; do not double the dose to catch up. Continue your regular schedule and consult your doctor if you frequently forget doses.
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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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