About ursodiol
Bile acid medicine
Used for
- Dissolves certain small cholesterol gallstones when surgery is unsuitable.
- Prevents gallstones during rapid weight loss.
- Treats primary biliary cholangitis.
Usual adult dose
Gallstones: 8–10 mg/kg daily in divided doses. Primary biliary cholangitis: 13–15 mg/kg daily in divided doses.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Rash or itching
- Hair thinning
Important warnings
- Not suitable for calcified stones or stones causing acute gallbladder inflammation.
- Treatment may take months; gallstones can return after treatment stops.
- Liver tests and gallbladder imaging may be needed during treatment.
- Use caution with significant liver disease or impaired gallbladder function.
Pregnancy
Available evidence has not shown increased birth-defect risk, but use during pregnancy requires clinician assessment.
Breastfeeding
Limited information; ursodiol appears in breast milk at low levels. Seek professional guidance.
Interactions
- Bile-acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine can reduce absorption.
- Aluminum-containing antacids can reduce absorption.
- Estrogens and some cholesterol-lowering medicines may reduce gallstone dissolution.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.