Ursodeoxycholic acid: what it is for, how to take it and side effects

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a medicine indicated for dissolving gallstones, for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, or changes in the quality of bile produced by the body, as it acts by reducing the amount of cholesterol and stimulating the production of bile produced by the liver, in addition to improving the flow of bile in the gallbladder.

This medicine can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of 50, 150 or 300 mg tablets, under the trade name Ursacol, or as a generic, under the name ” ursodeoxycholic acid “.

Ursodeoxycholic acid, also known as ursodiol, should only be used with medical advice, as it is contraindicated in situations that may interfere with the circulation of bile salts, such as in the case of frequent biliary colic or acute inflammation of the gallbladder, as it stimulates the production of bile and increases the flow of bile into the gallbladder.

What is it for

Ursodeoxycholic acid is indicated for diseases of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, in the following situations:

• Gallstones, formed by cholesterol;
• Primary biliary cirrhosis;
• Residual stones in the gallbladder duct or new stones formed after bile duct surgery;
• Symptoms of poor digestion, such as abdominal pain, heartburn and a feeling of a full stomach, caused by gallbladder disease;
• Changes in the functioning of the gallbladder;
• High levels of bad cholesterol or triglycerides;
• Complementary treatment in the dissolution of gallstones by shock waves (lithotripsy), formed by cholesterol in the case of cholelithiasis;

In addition, ursodeoxycholic acid can also be used in cases of changes in the quantity of bile, such as a decrease or interruption in the release of bile from the gallbladder into the intestine, or changes in the quality of bile produced by the gallbladder, and is generally indicated for prevention. formation of gallstones after bariatric surgery, for example.

This remedy contributes to the solubilization of cholesterol by bile, preventing the formation of gallstones or encouraging their dissolution. Learn how to identify the symptoms of gallstones.

How to take and dosage

Ursodeoxycholic acid should be taken orally, with a glass of water or milk, after a meal, always at the times and for the duration of treatment advised by the doctor.

The dosage of ursodeoxycholic acid for adults varies according to the condition being treated, which includes:

• Gallbladder diseases such as gallstones: the dose normally recommended for long-term use is 5 to 10 mg for each kg of body weight, per day, divided into 2 doses, with the largest dose being taken at night, with the average dosage being, in most cases, between 300 to 600 mg per day. Treatment time can vary from 6 to 24 months, as advised by the doctor;
• Primary biliary cirrhosis: the normally recommended dose can vary from 10 to 16 per kg of body weight per day, depending on the stage of the disease and medical advice;
• Dyspeptic syndromes and maintenance therapy: the normally recommended dose is 300 mg per day, divided into 2 to 3 administrations, however these doses can be modified by the doctor.

If you forget to take a dose at the right time, take it as soon as you remember, but you should skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

During treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid, the doctor must order tests every 6 months to check the dissolution of gallstones, or liver function tests and blood bilirubin levels to evaluate primary biliary cirrhosis.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of ursodeoxycholic acid, which should be reported to your doctor, include headache, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, dark urine, whitish stools, yellowing skin and eyes, fever, chills, sore throat , muscle pain, loss of appetite, itching or formation of small blisters on the skin.

It is advised to stop use and seek medical help immediately or the nearest emergency room if symptoms of allergy to ursodeoxycholic acid appear, such as difficulty breathing, feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, or hives. Know how to identify the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Who shouldn’t use

Ursodeoxycholic acid should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people with an active stomach ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease or who are allergic to ursodeoxycholic acid or any other component of the formula.

Furthermore, ursodeoxycholic acid should not be used in situations that may interfere with the circulation of bile salts, such as frequent biliary colic, acute gallbladder inflammation, blockage of the gallbladder ducts, problems with gallbladder contraction or calcified gallstones. , for example. This is because this medicine stimulates the production of bile and increases the flow of bile into the gallbladder.

The ursodeoxycholic acid tablet contains lactose in its composition and should be used with caution in people with lactose intolerance.