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General Medication Fact Sheet for Ursodiol
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Ursodiol |
| Brand Name Versions | Actigall, Urso, Urso Forte |
| Purpose | Used to dissolve gallstones, treat primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and prevent gallstones in certain patients |
| Mechanism of Action | Decreases the production of cholesterol in the liver and promotes the dissolution of cholesterol gallstones |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules, Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 250 mg, 300 mg, 500 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Two to four times daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Diarrhea, nausea, constipation, indigestion |
| Serious Side Effects | Abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, clay-colored stools |
| Drug Interactions | Antacids (aluminum-containing), bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol), oral contraceptives |
| Important Notes | Take with food; Avoid antacids containing aluminum; Regular liver function tests may be required |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Chenodiol, Surgery (Cholecystectomy) |
Ursodiol Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chenodiol | Decreases cholesterol production and promotes gallstone dissolution | Another bile acid used to dissolve gallstones, but less commonly used than ursodiol due to side effects. |
| Surgery (Cholecystectomy) | Surgical removal of the gallbladder | Effective for gallstones, but involves surgery and potential complications. |
Ursodiol Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | Abdominal pain |
| Nausea | Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) |
| Constipation | Dark urine |
| Indigestion | Clay-colored stools |
| Back pain | Severe allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
Ursodiol Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissolving Gallstones | 8-10 mg/kg/day | 8-10 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses | Take with food. Duration of treatment varies, typically up to 2 years. |
| Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) | 13-15 mg/kg/day | 13-15 mg/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses | Take with food. |
| Preventing Gallstones (Post-Bariatric Surgery) | 300 mg twice daily | 300 mg twice daily | Start immediately after surgery and continue for 6 months. |
