Reviews (125)Overview: Ursodiol is used to prevent or break down gallstones, or to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). It works by changing your bile so cholesterol can dissolve more easily and by reducing how much cholesterol your liver makes. Common side effects may include upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or dizziness. Keep all appointments for blood work so your health care provider can check the health of your liver. Ursodiol is available as a capsule or tablet that is taken by mouth.
Uses
What is ursodiol used for?
Ursodiol is commonly used for the following conditions.
- To break down gallstones (gallbladder stones)
- To prevent gallstones from forming in people with obesity who are rapidly losing weight
Ursodiol can also be used to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a disease where the bile ducts in your liver get damaged.
Ursodiol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does ursodiol work (mechanism of action)?
Bile acids are components of bile, which is a fluid made in your liver that helps with digestion. Ursodiol is a type of bile acid that your body naturally forms in small amounts. When you take ursodiol as a medicine, it changes your bile so that cholesterol (a main component of gallstones) can easily dissolve. This helps dissolve gallstones that have already formed and prevent new ones from forming. Ursodiol also helps reduce the amount of cholesterol made by your liver. If you have primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), ursodiol replaces the type of bile acid that builds up and damages the liver.
How is ursodiol supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Actigall
- Reltone
- Urso 250
- Urso Forte
- Ursolign
Dosage forms and strengths
- 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg oral capsules
- 250 mg and 500 mg oral tablets
How should I store ursodiol?
Ursodiol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of ursodiol?
The most common side effects of ursodiol are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Upset stomach or stomach pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Hair loss
- Itching or rash
There may be other side effects of ursodiol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of ursodiol?
While less common, the most serious side effects of ursodiol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Ursodiol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking ursodiol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use ursodiol?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take ursodiol.
- Actigall
- Bile acids
- Reltone
- Urso 250
- Urso Forte
- Ursodeoxycholic acid
- Ursodiol
- Ursolign
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ursodiol products they stock.
Bile Duct Blockage. People who have completely blocked bile ducts (biliary obstruction) should not take ursodiol.
Certain Types of Gallstones. Some types of gallstones cannot be broken down by ursodiol. People with these types of gallstones should not take ursodiol capsules for gallstone treatment. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure if your gallstones can be treated with ursodiol.
Certain Gallbladder Problems. People with certain medical conditions should not take ursodiol capsules to treat or prevent gallstones. These conditions include gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) that does not go away, inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis), or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) from gallstones. People with these conditions may need to have their gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy) instead.
What should I know about ursodiol before using it?
Do not take ursodiol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share ursodiol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep ursodiol out of the reach of children.
Your health care provider may do tests to check the health of your liver while you are taking ursodiol. Keep all appointments for blood work.
If you are told to split ursodiol tablets, ask your pharmacist how to split and store them correctly. Split tablets should not be chewed and should be swallowed with water. Store the half-tablets separately from the whole tablets due to their bitter taste.
What should I tell my health care provider before using ursodiol?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ursodiol is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Intestine Problems or Prior Surgeries. People who have problems with their intestines (such as Crohn’s disease) or who have had surgery of the intestines may be at higher risk of having an intestinal blockage from ursodiol. Tell your health care provider if you have any problems with your intestines or have had any intestinal surgeries.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Ursodiol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking ursodiol, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ursodiol could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take ursodiol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if ursodiol passes into breast milk, but some ursodiol that your body naturally makes can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take ursodiol while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does ursodiol interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between ursodiol and foods or drinks. It is recommended that ursodiol tablets be taken with food.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ursodiol.
Does ursodiol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking ursodiol.
- An antacid containing aluminum
- A bile acid sequestrant, such as cholestyramine, colesevelam (Welchol), or colestipol (Colestid), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
- Any other medicine used to lower cholesterol
- Estrogen, which is found in certain pills, patches, creams, rings, or vaginal suppositories
- A birth control pill
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with ursodiol. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much ursodiol?
If you or someone else has used too much ursodiol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of ursodiol?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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