About ursodeoxycholic acid
Bile acid medicine
Used for
- Dissolves certain cholesterol gallstones when surgery is unsuitable.
- Treats primary biliary cholangitis.
- May treat bile-related liver disease in selected children.
Usual adult dose
Gallstones: 8–10 mg/kg daily in divided doses. Primary biliary cholangitis: 13–15 mg/kg daily in divided doses.
Usual dose in children
For primary biliary cholangitis or selected bile-flow disorders, dosing is specialist-directed and based on weight.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Itching or rash
- Rarely, worsening liver tests
Important warnings
- Not suitable for calcified stones or a blocked bile duct.
- Gallstone treatment may take months and requires medical monitoring.
- Seek assessment for severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or persistent vomiting.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically necessary; pregnancy data are limited, so treatment requires medical review.
Breastfeeding
Amounts in breast milk are expected to be low; discuss use with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Bile-acid binding medicines, such as cholestyramine, can reduce absorption.
- Aluminum-containing antacids can reduce absorption.
- Some cholesterol-lowering medicines may affect treatment or gallstone response.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.