Description
What is this medicine for
This medication is a biliary agent, prescribed for gallstones. It helps to dissolve the stone by reducing the amount of cholesterol released by liver into bile.
How does it work
Ursodiol gets rid of gallstones. It adds to your bodys bile acid salts. Bile acid salts are needed for the body to take in fats and some vitamins from the diet.
How should this medicine be used
It comes as a capsule to take by mouth, with food. Dissolution of cholesterol-rich gallstones – the recommended dose is 6-12 mgkgday as a single dose at bedtime.
Common side effects of this medicine
Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Headache. Back pain. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy. Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative. Loose stools (diarrhea).
What do I do if I miss a dose
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.
What precautions should I take when taking this medicine
If you have an allergy to ursodiol or any other part of this drug. If you have an allergy to bile acids. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
When do I need to seek medical help
If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very bad belly pain. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Can I take it with other medicines
Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. – Taking them together can cause bad side effects. – Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.
Are there any food restrictions
Avoid Alcohol
How do I store this medicine
Store the medication as directed by your physician.
Pregnancy Category
Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Therapeutic Classification
Cholagogues, Cholelitholytics & Hepatic Protectors
