Composition
Cap 250 mg/500 mg: Ursodeoxycholic acid 250 mg/500 mg.
Indications & Dosage
Dissolution of radiolucent gallstones, cholesterol gallstones: Adults: 8-12 mg/kg once daily at bedtime, alternatively in two divided dose for up to 2 years; continue treatment for 3-4 months after stones dissolved. Primary Biliary cirrhosis: Adult: 12-16 mg/kg daily in three divided doses for 3 months, then 12-16 mg/kg once daily at bedtime. Children: Not recommended.
Contraindications
Acute inflammation of the gall bladder, biliary colic, inflammatory diseases and other condition of colon, liver and small intestine which interfere with enterohepatic circulation of bile salt, radio-opaque stones, non-functioning gallbladder, chronic liver disease.
Precautions
Pregnancy, liver disease, peptic ulcer.
Interactions
Oral contraceptives, oestrogens, cholesterol-lowering agent, cholestyramine, colestipol, charcoal, antacids, cyclosporin.
Side Effects
Diarrhoea, vomiting; rarely, pruritus, urticaria.