Ursodeoxycholic acid or ursodeoxycholic acidis a drug to treat small, inoperable gallstones and prevent gallstone formation in obese patients who are undergoing weight loss.
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid derivative that works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and absorbed by the digestive tract. This drug is also used to treat diseases primary biliary cholangitis.
Ursodeoxycholic acid trademark: Deolite, Estazor, Urdafalk, Urdahex, Urdex, Urlicon, Ursolic, Ursochol 300, Ursodeoxycholic Acid
What is Ursodeoxycholate
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Bile acid derivatives |
| Benefit | Overcoming small gallstones, preventing the formation of gallstones in obese patients, and treating diseases primary biliary cholangitis. |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Ursodeoxycholic Acid for pregnant and lactating women | Category B:Studies in animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Ursodeoxycholic acid is not known whether it can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and capsules |
Warning Before Consuming AcidUrsodeoxycholate
Ursodeoxycholic acid should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Before taking ursodeoxycholic acid, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not use ursodeoxycholic acid if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain supplements, herbal products, or medications, including ciclosporin, colestyramine, antacids, and birth control pills.
- Tell your doctor if you have an obstruction in your liver and gallbladder. Ursodeoxycholic acid should not be used under these conditions.
- During treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid, your doctor will ask you to do regular liver function tests and complete blood counts.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, gallbladder disorders, other than gallstones, colitis, cough or bloody vomiting, or have recently had surgery on the digestive tract.
- See your doctor right away if you have an overdose, drug allergic reaction, or serious side effects after taking ursodeoxycholic acid.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Acid Ursodeoxycholate
The doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid according to the patient's condition. The following is the division of ursodeoxycholic acid dosage based on its intended use:
- Purpose: Treating gallstones
The dose is 8-12 mg/kgBW, 1 time a day before bedtime or divided into 2 consumption schedules, treatment is carried out for 3-4 months. In obese patients, the dose is 15 mg/kgBW per day.
- Purpose: Prevents the formation of gallstones in obese patients who are losing weight
The dose is 300 mg, 2 times a day.
- Purpose: Treat primary biliary cholangitisThe dose is 10–16 mg/kgBW per day divided into 2–4 consumption schedules, or can be taken 1 time a day at night after the first 3 months.
How to Take Ursodeoxycholic Acid Correctly
Make sure you first read the instructions on the medicine package and follow the doctor's recommendations for taking ursodeoxycholic acid. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Take ursodeoxycholic acid regularly at the same time every day. Ursodeoxycholic acid can be taken before bed. Swallow the medicine with the help of a glass of water. Swallow the medicine whole, do not chew or crush it.
If you forget to take ursodeoxycholic acid, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Ursodeoxycholic acid will usually be taken in the long term. Take control and follow the doctor's advice while undergoing treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid. Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor first.
Store ursodeoxycholic acid in a dry, closed place, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
InteractionUrsodeoxycholic Acid with Other Drugs
The use of certain drugs together with ursodeoxycholic acid can cause unwanted interactions, such as:
- Decreased absorption of ursodeoxycholic acid when used with cholestyramine or antacid drugs
- Increased effectiveness of the drug ciclosporin
- Decreased effectiveness of ursodeoxycholic acid when used with clofibrate, birth control pills, or hormone medications containing estrogen
Ursodeoxycholic Acid Side Effects and Hazards
Side effects that may arise after taking ursodeoxycholic acid are:
- Pruritus or itching
- Headache or dizziness
- Stomach ache
- Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
- Flu symptoms, such as stuffy nose or sneezing
- Hair loss
- Back pain
Check with the doctor if the complaint does not improve and gets worse. Go to the doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect occurs, such as painful urination, bloody urine, fast heart rate, persistent vomiting, itching and redness all over the body, or unusual tiredness.