Ursocol 150mg 1 Strip

✔️ Interaction

Certain medicines may interfere with the effectiveness or absorption of Ursocol.

• Oestrogen-containing medicines: May increase cholesterol secretion into bile and potentially reduce the effectiveness of treatment for gallstones.
• Bile-acid-binding medicines: Cholestyramine and similar medicines may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of Ursodeoxycholic Acid.
• Antacids: Certain antacids may interfere with absorption.
• Activated charcoal: May reduce the absorption of Ursocol.

Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting treatment.

✔️ Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Itching (pruritus)
• Changes in the appearance or calcification of gallstones

✔️ Ursocol should generally be avoided in patients with:

• A non-functioning gallbladder
• Calcified gallstones
• Pigmented gallstones
• Certain inflammatory bowel diseases
• Conditions that significantly interfere with bile circulation

✔️ It works through several mechanisms, including:

• Reducing intestinal absorption of cholesterol
• Decreasing cholesterol synthesis in the liver
• Reducing cholesterol secretion into bile
• Increasing bile-acid secretion
• Changing bile from cholesterol-supersaturated to a less saturated state
• Promoting the formation of liquid cholesterol crystal complexes, which facilitate the movement of cholesterol from the gallbladder into the intestine

✔️ Dosage & Administration

The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated and should be determined by a physician.

• Dissolution of gallstones: 8–12 mg/kg/day, either as a single dose at bedtime or in divided doses.
• Primary biliary cholangitis: 10–15 mg/kg/day in 2–4 divided doses.
• Acute viral hepatitis: 600 mg/day.
• Alcoholic fatty liver disease: 300 mg/day.
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis: 25–30 mg/kg/day.
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: 13–15 mg/kg/day when prescribed.

✔️ Ursodeoxycholic Acid may also provide protective effects in cholestatic liver disorders by:

• Protecting bile duct cells from the harmful effects of hydrophobic bile acids
• Promoting hepatobiliary secretion
• Protecting liver cells against bile-acid-induced apoptosis

After oral administration, Ursodeoxycholic Acid is absorbed mainly from the upper intestine. Peak blood concentrations are generally reached within 30–150 minutes, with approximately 60–80% absorption. Following absorption, it enters the portal circulation and is taken up by the liver, where it is conjugated mainly with glycine or taurine before being secreted into the bile.

Only small amounts enter the systemic circulation, and very little is eliminated through urine. The biological half-life is approximately 3.5–5.8 days.

✔️ Pregnancy & Lactation

Ursodeoxycholic Acid has been used under medical supervision during pregnancy, including for certain cases of cholestasis of pregnancy. Available clinical experience has not shown significant harm when appropriately prescribed.

There is limited information regarding its presence in human breast milk. Breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using Ursocol.

✔️ Precautions & Warnings

Ursocol should be used cautiously in patients with liver disease. Depending on the condition and treatment duration, the doctor may recommend regular liver-function tests and other monitoring.

Patients receiving treatment for gallstones may also require periodic imaging to assess whether the stones are responding to treatment.

✔️ Storage:

Store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children.