Ursodeoxycholic acid: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Ursodeoxycholic Acid?

What is ursodeoxycholic acid for?

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a drug with functions to:

• Dissolves gallstones caused by excess cholesterol in the gallbladder where the gallstones are not visible on a regular X-ray (gallstones that do not appear to dissolve) and are not more than 15mm in diameter. The gallbladder should still work in the presence of gallstones
• Treatment of conditions in which the bile ducts in the liver become damaged and result in a build-up of bile. This can cause the liver tissue to harden. The liver must not be so damaged that it does not function properly. This condition is called primary biliary cirrhosis.

The dose of ursodeoxycholic acid and the side effects of ursodeoxycholic acid are detailed below.

How to use ursodeoxycholic acid?

Swallow the capsule whole with water or other liquid. Use the capsule at night before going to bed. Use it regularly.

How to store this drug?

Ursodeoxycholic acid is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of ursodeoxycholic acid for adults?

Dissolving high cholesterol gallstones

6-12 mg / kg per day in one dose at bedtime or in 2-3 divided doses continued for 3-4 months after radiological loss of gallstones. The dose can be divided unequally by a higher dose given before bedtime to counteract the increase in bile cholesterol saturation that occurs in the morning. Max: 15 mg / kg.

Hepatic impairment: chronic liver diseases (except primary biliary cirrhosis): use with care.

Primary biliary cirrhosis

10-15 mg / kg per day in 2-4 divided doses.

Prophylaxys gallstones in patients who experience rapid weight loss

300 mg bid.

What is the dose of ursodeoxycholic acid for children?

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years of age)

In what dosage is ursodeoxycholic acid available?

Capsules 150 and 250 mg

Ursodeoxycholic Acid side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to ursodeoxycholic acid?

Like all medicines, ursodeoxycholic acid can cause side effects, although not all do.

You need to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking ursodeoxycholic acid capsules:

Common side effects (occurring in less than 1 in 10 but more than 1 in 100 patients):

• Loose stools or diarrhea, tell the doctor immediately if you have persistent diarrhea, you may need to reduce the dose. If you have diarrhea, make sure you drink enough fluids to replace body fluids and balance electrolytes

Diarrhea may also occur due to overdose

Rare side effects (occurring in less than 1 in 10 000 patients):

• During treatment primary biliary cirrhosis: severe abdominal pain in the upper right, hardening of the liver tissue or severe liver function - some of these conditions improved after treatment was stopped
• Hardening of gallstones due to calcium buildup. There are no additional symptoms but these will show on the tests that are done
• Rash (urticarial)

If you notice any side effects that are not included on the leaflet, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using this drug?

Do not use ursodeoxycholic acid capsules if;

• Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to certain drugs, especially ursodeoxycholic acid. Your doctor may prescribe other alternative medications.
• Your gallbladder isn't working properly
• You have gallstones that show on an x-ray
• You have acute inflammation of the bag or bile ducts
• You have a bile duct obstruction (blockage of the bile ducts or ducts cystic)
• You often have cramp-like pain in the upper abdomen (biliary colic)
• You have a hardening of your gallstones caused by a buildup of calcium

Ask your doctor about the conditions mentioned above. You should also ask if you have had these conditions before or if you are not sure you have one of them.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

In addition, it is not known if ursodeoxycholic acid will pass with breast milk or if it could harm a breastfed baby. Do not use this medication without your doctor's knowledge if you are breastfeeding.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with ursodeoxycholic acid?

This drug may interact with other drugs that you are currently using. This can change how the drug works, or even increase the chance of side effects.

To avoid these possible drug interactions, make a list of all medications you are currently taking or have recently used, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, herbal medicines, and vitamin supplements. Show this list to your doctor or pharmacist to help you determine the appropriate dosage and avoid unwanted interactions.

For your safety, do not start or stop the drug, do not change the dose of the drug, without first consulting your doctor.

According to the EMC, the following are drugs that can interact with ursodeoxycholic acid:

• cholesteramine
• cholestipol
• activated charcoal
• antacids
• ciclosporin
• ciprofloxacin

Whether food or alcohol can interact with ursodeoxycholic acid

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking red grapefruit juice while using the medicine unless your doctor allows it.

Grapefruit and grapefruit drugs can increase the risk of interactions. Consult your doctor and pharmacist for more info.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, such as:

• acute inflammation of the gallbladder
• other problems with the gallbladder
• intestinal problems
• chronic liver disease

Ursodeoxycholic Acid overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose due to ursodeoxycholic acid, call the medical team, an ambulance (118 or 119), or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Here are the symptoms of an overdose that you need to be aware of:

• nausea
• throws up
• dizzy
• lost balance
• numbness and tingling
• convulsions

What should I do if I forget to take medicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember when it's time for the next dose, just ignore the missed dose, and continue taking it as scheduled. Do not double your dose.

The reason is, double doses do not guarantee that you can recover faster. In addition, using excessive doses actually increases the risk of side effects and the risk of overdose. It is better to use the dosage as specified on the drug packaging for safe use.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.