About ursodeoxycholic acid
Bile acid medicine
Used for
- Dissolves certain cholesterol gallstones when surgery is unsuitable.
- Treats primary biliary cholangitis.
- May be used for selected childhood liver conditions.
Usual adult dose
Gallstones: usually 8–10 mg/kg daily. Primary biliary cholangitis: usually 13–15 mg/kg daily, divided doses.
Usual dose in children
For selected liver conditions, specialist-directed dosing is typically 10–20 mg/kg daily.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Itching or rash
- Rarely, worsening liver tests
Important warnings
- Gallstone treatment requires cholesterol stones and a functioning gallbladder.
- Regular liver tests and, for gallstones, imaging may be needed.
- Not suitable for some blocked bile ducts or acute gallbladder inflammation.
- Seek medical assessment for severe or persistent abdominal pain.
Pregnancy
Available evidence has not shown clear harm, but use during pregnancy should be clinician-directed.
Breastfeeding
Limited information suggests low risk; discuss use with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Bile-acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine, can reduce absorption.
- Aluminium-containing antacids can reduce absorption.
- Ciclosporin levels may increase; monitoring may be needed.
- Some cholesterol-lowering medicines may affect 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.