Common use

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid that decreases the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestines. It helps break down cholesterol formed into stones in the gallbladder. Ursodeoxycholic acid also increases bile flow in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Ursodeoxycholic acid is used to treat small gallstones in people who cannot have gallbladder surgery. It is also used to prevent gallstones in people on rapid-weight-loss diets, it may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide, to treat primary biliary cirrhosis. Ursodeoxycholic acid is not used for treating gallstones that are calcified.



Dosage and direction

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.



Precautions

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Ursodeoxycholic acid. Also talk to your doctor about your complete medical history. Do not take these medications if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to ursodiol or to other bile acids. If you have biliary tract (liver, gallbladder, bile duct) problems or certain liver and pancreas diseases, your doctor may not be able to prescribe Ursodeoxycholic acid for you. Before taking Ursodeoxycholic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bile acids; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.



Contraindications

Ursodeoxycholic acid will not dissolve calcified cholesterol stones, radiopaque stones, or radiolucent bile pigment stones. Hence, patients with such stones are not candidates for Ursodeoxycholic acid therapy. Patients with compelling reasons for cholecystectomy including unremitting acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, biliary obstruction, gallstone pancreatitis, or biliary-gastrointestinal fistula are not candidates for Ursodeoxycholic acid therapy. Allergy to bile acids.



Possible side effects

Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, back pain, hair loss, or cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: weakness, swelling of the ankles, feet, increased thirst/urination, signs of infection (fever, persistent sore throat). It is rare to have a very serious allergic reaction to this drug. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.



Drug interactions

If Ursodeoxycholic acid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. You have to check especially important with your doctor using of Ursodeoxycholic acid with the next medicines: aluminum-based antacid medications, cholesterol-lowering medications, estrogens, and oral contraceptives. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: aluminum-containing antacids, birth control pills, cholesterol medications (cholestyramine, clofibrate, colestipol), estrogen.



Missed dose

Take it as soon as you remember, or at the same time as the next dose.



Overdose

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.



Storage

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.