Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic acid) 300 mg
Ursodiol Information
The drug reduces cholesterol absorption and is used to dissolve (cholesterol) gallstones in patients who want an alternative to surgery.
Ursodiol
(also known as ursodeoxycholic acid) is one of the secondary bile
acids, which are metabolic byproducts of intestinal bacteria. Primary
bile acids are produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder.
When secreted into the colon, primary bile acids can be metabolized into
secondary bile acids by intestinal bacteria. Primary and secondary bile
acids help the body digest fats. Ursodeoxycholic acid helps regulate
cholesterol by reducing the rate at which the intestine absorbs
cholesterol molecules while breaking up micelles containing cholesterol.
Because of this property, ursodeoxycholic acid is used to treat gall
stones non-surgically.
Ursodeoxycholic
acid reduces elevated liver enzyme levels by facilitating bile flow
through the liver and protecting liver cells. The main mechanism if
anticholelithic. Although the exact process of ursodiol's
anticholelithic action is not completely understood, it is thought that
the drug is concentrated in bile and decreases biliary cholesterol by
suppressing hepatic synthesis and secretion of cholesterol and by
inhibiting its intestinal absorption. The reduced cholesterol saturation
permits the gradual solubilization of cholesterol from gallstones,
resulting in their eventual dissolution.
Ursodiol Uses
Ursodiol
is used to dissolve certain types of gallstones, to prevent gallstones
from forming in obese patients who are losing weight rapidly, and to
treat a certain type of liver disease (primary biliary cirrhosis).
Ursodiol is a bile acid.
Ursodiol Warnings
Before taking Ursodiol, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
- Any disease of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or bile duct
- A bile duct blockage
- Allergies to medications
Ursodiol must be taken for several months to have an effect. You may need to take the medicine for up to two years.
Continue to take ursodiol even if you feel well. Don't stop using the medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Your
doctor will probably want to order frequent tests to check your body's
response to ursodiol. Keep all appointments with your doctor's office
and laboratory.
This drug should be used with extreme caution in children. Safety and effectiveness haven't been confirmed in this age group
Ursodiol Dosage
Ursodiol comes as a tablet or capsule to take by mouth. It's typically taken two to three times a day.
Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Don't take more or less ursodiol than is recommended.
Ursodiol Overdose
Diarrhoea
may occur in cases of overdose. In general, other symptoms of overdose
are unlikely because the absorption of ursodeoxycholic acid decreases
with increasing dose and therefore more is excreted with the faeces.
No
specific counter-measures are necessary and the consequences of
diarrhoea should be treated symptomatically with restoration of fluid
and electrolyte balance.
Ursodiol Missed Dose
If
you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the
time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Ursodiol Side Effects
Stomach
upset, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, back pain, hair loss, or cough may
occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Tell
your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side
effects occur: weakness, swelling of the ankles/feet, increased
thirst/urination, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore
throat), easy bleeding/bruising.
A
very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek
immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious
allergic reaction,
Remember
that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has
judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
- dizziness, tired feeling;
- back pain;
- runny or stuffy nose, cold symptoms; or
- headache.
Ursodiol Storage
Store at room temperature
away from light and moisture. Different brands/strengths of this
medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package
labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the
product you are using. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines
away from children and pets.
Do
not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless
instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or
no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal
company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
0 comments:
Post a Comment