Overview
Ursodiol, a prescription medication, treats patients suffering from stones in the gallbladder. According to Drugs.com, an online drug resource, ursodiol can dissolve current stones and prevent new ones from forming. Mayo Clinic states this medication is used when surgical removal of the gallbladder poses risks to the patient.
How It Works
Drugs.com states the body naturally produces the bile acid ursodiol, which can break down gallstones made of cholesterol. The medication ursodiol mimics the action of the natural substance and blocks the production of cholesterol by the liver and decreases its absorption in the colon, which helps discourage the production of gallstones. This medication will also diminish other bile acids found in the body that can harm the liver.
Precautions
According to Drugs.com, notify a health care provider of an inflamed or obstructed bile duct, an inflamed pancreas or gallbladder, or if you have esophageal bleeding before taking ursodiol. Oral contraceptives and estrogens such as Premarin may lessen the effects of ursodiol. Mayo Clinic states that the following medical conditions can affect the way ursodiol works: fluid buildup on the abdominal cavity, brain disease caused by liver failure and liver damage.
Proper Use
Take ursodiol orally with food or milk, according to Drugs.com. Do not take medications containing aluminum, such as antacids, within one hour prior to taking this medication or two hours after administration. If you skip a dose, take the missed dose immediately unless it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not double doses of this medication.
Side Effects
Mayo Clinic lists the following possible side effects of ursodiol: stomach and bladder pain, blood in the urine, burning during urination, urgency to urinate, heartburn, dizziness, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, weakness, wheezing, black stools, bloody vomit, chills, chest pain, cough, high temperature, and sore throat. Drugs.com states that the most common side effects of this medication include constipation, diarrhea, dry skin, headache, metal taste in mouth, and muscle or joint pain.
Dosing
According to Mayo Clinic, the body weight of the patient determines the dosage of ursodiol. A typical dose of this medication is 8 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight. This amount is then divided into two to three doses per day taken with meals. Patients suffering from cirrhosis of the liver may have a dose of 13 to 15 mg per kilogram of body weight, with each dose given two to four times a day with food.
Availability
A health care provider must prescribe this medication. According to Mayo Clinic, ursodiol is manufactured in tablet and capsule forms with the brand names Actigall, Urso 250, Urso and Urso Fortein. Ursodiol is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
