Ursodiol
Ursodiol is a bile acid that reduces the number of cholesterol produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestines. Ursodiol helps to remove cholesterol that has formed into stones in the gallbladder. Ursodiol also improves bile flow in patients with early biliary cirrhosis. The drug is used for the treatment of acute biliary cirrhosis.
Ursodiol tablets are used for the prevention of tiny kidney stones in people who cannot have gallbladder surgery and for removing gallstones in overweight patients who undergo rapid weight loss.
Uses
Ursodiol is used for dissolving gallstones in people who do not want surgery for the removal of gallstones. Ursodiol is also used to avoid the development of gallstones in overweight people who are losing weight very rapidly. Ursodiol is used to treat people with primary biliary cirrhosis. Ursodiol belongs to the class of medication called Gallstone Dissolution Agents. This works by decreasing the production of cholesterol and by dissolving the cholesterol in bile for preventing stone formations and decreasing the toxic level of bile acids which will accumulate in primary biliary cirrhosis.
Ursodiol Side Effects
Some of the common and serious side effects of Ursodiol are:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Joint Swelling
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Hair loss
Serious allergic reactions to this drug are very rare. However, you can seek medical attention if you are noticing any symptoms of serious allergic reactions that include: rash, itching and trouble breathing.
Precautions
Before taking Ursodiol talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medication. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using the Ursodiol talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Liver disease
- Ascites
- Variceal bleeding
- Hepatic encephalopathy
How to take Ursodiol?
Before taking Ursodiol follow all the directions written on the prescription labels. Avoid taking ursodiol in a large or small amount. Take Ursodiol tablets with food. Ursodiol mainly comes in the form of capsules and tablet which can be taken orally. The medicine is usually taken 2 or 3 times a day with or without food for treating gallstones and two times a day for preventing gallstones in people who are losing weight very quickly. If a person is taking Ursodiol tablets for treating primary biliary cirrhosis then the usual dosage is taken 2 to 4 times a day with food.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take any of the recommended doses then skip the dose that you missed. Start taking the next dosage at a regular time. Don’t take 2 doses of ursodiol at a time for making up for the missed dose. It can raise the risk of side effects.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed ursodiol tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Interactions
The doctor will be already aware of the possible drug interactions and will monitor you for them. Avoid changing the dosage of any medicine and without talking with your doctor. Before using Ursodiol talk with your doctor if you are on any prescribed medications such as:
- Aluminium-containing antacids
- Birth control pills
- Cholesterol medications
- Estrogen
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Ursodiol vs Udiliv
Ursodiol |
Udiliv |
|---|---|
| Ursodiol is a bile acid that reduces the number of cholesterol produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestines. | Udiliv 300 tablet is used for dissolving gallstone and is also used for the treatment of a liver disease called primary biliary cirrhosis. |
| Ursodiol is used for dissolving gallstones in people who do not want surgery for the removal of gallstones. | Udiliv is used to dissolve gallbladder stones which are made of cholesterol in various liver-related disorders such as cirrhosis and sclerosing cholangitis. |
Some of the common and serious side effects of Ursodiol are:
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Some of the common and major side effects of udiliv are:
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