Medicines Used for Gallstones
Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder, a small organ under the ribs that helps digest food. Many people have no symptoms, but a stone that blocks a bile duct can cause severe tummy pain, sometimes with nausea or vomiting. The main treatment is surgery to remove the gallbladder. Get urgent help for sudden severe pain, high fever or yellow skin or eyes.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
Medicines used for Gallstones
These active ingredients are in medicines whose approved uses include Gallstones. Brands are listed A to Z, not ranked. A doctor or pharmacist decides which medicine is right for you.
Ursodeoxycholic acid
- Udiliv 300 · 300 mg tablet
Common questions
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Most people have none. A blocked bile duct causes tummy pain that can be severe, last from 30 minutes to several hours, and come with nausea or vomiting. See a doctor if pain lasts longer than 30 minutes.
How are gallstones treated?
Stones without symptoms may need no treatment. The main treatment for stones causing symptoms is an operation to remove the gallbladder. Some people with small cholesterol stones may be offered a medicine to dissolve them.
When is it an emergency?
Get urgent help for sudden severe tummy pain, pain spreading to the back with vomiting, a very high temperature or shivering, or yellow skin or eyes. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
Sources
- Gallstones. NHS (UK)
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300mg Film-Coated Tablets: summary of product characteristics. electronic Medicines Compendium (UK)