Ursodeoxycholic acid
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a prescription bile acid medicine. It is used to dissolve small, cholesterol-rich gallstones in people whose gallbladder still works, and to treat primary biliary cholangitis, a long-term liver disease. Gallstone treatment can take many months, with scans and blood tests. It is not used in pregnancy.
Also known as: UDCA, Ursodiol, Ursodeoxycholic acid tablets, Ursodeoxycholic acid 300 mg
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Ursodeoxycholic acid work?
Ursodeoxycholic acid lowers the amount of cholesterol in bile, which can let small cholesterol gallstones slowly dissolve. It is also used in a long-term bile duct liver disease. The exact way it works is not fully understood.
How to take Ursodeoxycholic acid
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. The dose depends on body weight and the condition, and your doctor decides it. Tablets are swallowed with water.
Side effects of Ursodeoxycholic acid
The most common side effect is loose stools, and serious effects are rare.
Uncommon or mild
- Pasty stools or diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Itching
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Severe pain in the upper right tummy
- Yellow skin or eyes, or swelling of the tummy (liver problems)
- Hives or a rash
- Diarrhoea that does not settle
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking ursodeoxycholic acid, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Calcified gallstones, blocked bile duct or an inflamed gallbladder
- Allergy to bile acids or any ingredient
- Pregnancy: it must not be used in pregnancy; tell your doctor if you may be pregnant and ask about reliable contraception that does not use hormones, or low-oestrogen pills
- Breastfeeding: not recommended
- Gallstones that are calcified, a blocked bile duct, or an inflamed gallbladder
- Frequent gallbladder pain or a gallbladder that does not work well
- Peptic ulcer, or long-term inflammatory bowel disease
- Regular liver blood tests and scans are needed while taking it
- Diarrhoea: tell your doctor, who may lower the dose
Medicines and things that interact with Ursodeoxycholic acid
Some medicines change how much ursodeoxycholic acid is absorbed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Colestyramine, colestipol, charcoal and antacids with aluminium: they bind it, so keep a gap of at least 2 hours
- Ciclosporin: its blood level may need checking
- Ciprofloxacin: absorption may fall
- Oral contraceptives: may work against gallstone dissolution
If someone takes too much
The main effect of too much is diarrhoea. If someone has taken a lot more than advised, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India. The schedule should be confirmed on the pack. Check the ingredient list on the pack, since some products combine it with other medicines.
Type of medicine
Ursodeoxycholic acid belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Ursodeoxycholic acid
These medicines sold in India contain Ursodeoxycholic acid. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Udiliv 300 · 300 mg tablet
What is Ursodeoxycholic acid used for?
Medicines that contain Ursodeoxycholic acid are used for these conditions.
Common questions
What is ursodeoxycholic acid used for?
It is used to dissolve small to medium cholesterol gallstones in people whose gallbladder works, and to treat primary biliary cholangitis. A doctor decides whether it suits you after scans and tests.
How long does it take to dissolve gallstones?
It can take many months, up to two years in some people, with regular check-ups. The label says to continue for three months after the stones appear to have gone. Do not stop without your doctor.
Does it work on all gallstones?
No. It works only on small to medium cholesterol stones that look clear on X-ray. Calcified stones and pigment stones do not dissolve. Many people still need surgery.
Is Udiliv 300 the same as ursodeoxycholic acid?
Udiliv is a brand name for medicines containing ursodeoxycholic acid. Check the strength on the pack and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300mg Film-Coated Tablets: summary of product characteristics. electronic Medicines Compendium (UK)
- Gallstones. NHS (UK)
- Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). NHS (UK)