Brand Name: Ursodil
Manufacturer: General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Indications
Ursodeoxycholic Acid is indicated for the treatment of Cholestasis (Jaundice), Viral Hepatitis, Alcoholic Fatty Liver, Primary Billiary Cirrhosis (PBC), Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), Dissolution of Gallstones and Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH).
Therapeutic Class
Anti-gallstones drugs: Bile Acids
Description
Ursodeoxycholic acid is used to reduce the cholesterol saturation of bile and to promote the dissolution of gallstones. The cholesterol saturation of bile is reduced by Ursodeoxycholic acid, allowing gradual solubilization of cholesterol gallstones. Cholesterol of secretion into bile is reduced and bile acid secretion rate is increased during Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment without a reduction in phospholipids.
Pharmacology
Ursodeoxycholic Acid is a naturally occurring bile acid used to treat different hepatobilliary disorders. The activity of Ursodeoxycholic Acid is achieved through a decrease in secretion of cholesterol in bile. Ursodeoxycholic Acid achieves this through a few mechanisms: it reduces cholesterol absorption, suppresses liver cholesterol synthesis and it does not inhibit bile acid synthesis.
- Protecting cholangiocytes against cytotoxicity of hydrophobic bile acids
- Stimulating hepatobilliary secretion
- Protecting hepatocytes against bile acid-induced apoptosis
Dosage & Administration
Dissolution of Gall stones: 8-12 mg/kg/day either as single night time dose or in divided doses
Interaction
Ursodeoxycholic Acid should not be used with drugs, such as oestrogenic hormones, that increase bile cholesterol. Concomitant administration with bile-acid binding drugs including antacids, charcoal and cholestyramine should be avoided, since this may reduce the effectiveness of therapy with Ursodeoxycholic acid.
Side Effects
Commonly reported side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gallstone opacilication, pruritus.
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