URSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID

Indications & Dose:

Dissolution of gallstones

BY MOUTH

Adult: 8–12 mg/kg once daily, dose to be taken at bedtime, alternatively 8–12 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses for up to 2 years; treatment is continued for 3–4 months after stones dissolve

Primary biliary cirrhosis

BY MOUTH

Adult: 12–16 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses for 3 months, then 12–16 mg/kg once daily, dose to be taken at bedtime

Children

Not recommended.

Contraindications:

Radio opaque stones, non functioning gall bladder, inflammatory diseases and other conditions of the small intestine and colon which interfere with entero  hepatic circulation of bile salts.

PREGNANCY & BREAST-FEEDING.

Contraindicated

Side Effects:

Diarrhea, particularly initially with high dose (reduce dose for few days), pruritus, minor hepatic abnormalities and transient rise in serum transaminases, diarrhea occurs rarely, liver changes have not been reported.

Cautions:

Precautions:

Suitable for patients not treatable by other means who have mild symptoms, unimpaired gall bladder function and small or medium sized radio lucent stones Old age: May be used.

Interaction:

Drugs

Cholestyramine, colestipol and aluminium antacids: Reduce the efficacy of chenodeoxycholic acid.

Oral contraceptives: Oestrogen preparations may reduce the efficacy of chenodeoxycholic acid.

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: