What Is Ursodiol?
Ursodiol is used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis.
Ursodiol capsules are used to treat small gallstones in people who cannot have gallbladder surgery, and to prevent gallstones in overweight patients undergoing rapid weight loss. Ursodiol capsules are not for treating gallstones that are calcified
Ursodiol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use ursodiol if you have an obstruction in your liver or gallbladder.
You should not use ursodiol if you are allergic to it, or if you have an obstruction in your liver or gallbladder.
To make sure ursodiol is safe for you, tell your doctor if:
- you have been coughing up blood; or
- you have gained weight rapidly, especially in your face and midsection.
It is not known whether ursodiol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Ursodiol Side Effects
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- signs of a new infection--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, skin sores, trouble swallowing.
- headache, dizziness;
- mild stomach pain or discomfort;
- nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
- hair loss; or
- mild itching or rash.
Ursodiol Interactions
If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol, avoid taking ursodiol at the same time. Ask your doctor how many hours apart you should take your medicines.
Other drugs may interact with ursodiol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Ursodiol Dosage
Take the ursodiol tablet with food.
You may need to break a tablet in half to get your correct dose. Each tablet is scored in the middle and should break apart easily.
Swallow the tablet piece whole with a glass of water. A broken tablet can have a bitter taste.
Use ursodiol regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
To treat gallstones, you may have to take ursodiol for several months before your gallstones dissolve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Not all gallstones completely dissolve with ursodiol treatment, and you may develop new gallstones within 5 years after treatment. Talk to your doctor about your specific risks.
While using ursodiol, you may need gallbladder ultrasound exams, or frequent blood tests to check your liver function. Your doctor may also want to check your liver function every 6 months after you stop using ursodiol.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Tablets that are broken in half can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
If you split your tablets, keep them separate from any whole tablets.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Ursodiol Pictures
