UDCA 300 | 1 Strip

✔️ Pharmacology:

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is a naturally occurring bile acid that supports liver and biliary health. Its therapeutic actions include:

• Reducing cholesterol absorption in the intestine.
• Suppressing hepatic cholesterol synthesis.
• Modifying bile composition from supersaturated to unsaturated.
• UDCA also enhances the removal of cholesterol by forming liquid crystal complexes that are expelled through the intestine. Additionally, it:
• Protects bile duct cells (cholangiocytes) from toxic bile acids.
• Stimulates bile flow from the liver.
• Shields liver cells (hepatocytes) from bile acid-induced cell death.

After oral administration, UDCA is well absorbed (60–80%) in the upper intestine, reaching peak serum concentration within 30–150 minutes. It undergoes hepatic conjugation with glycine or taurine and is excreted mainly via bile. Its biological half-life is approximately 3.5–5.8 days.

✔️ Dosage & Administration:

• Gallstone Dissolution: 8–12 mg/kg/day as a single nighttime dose or in divided doses.
• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: 10–15 mg/kg/day in 2–4 divided doses.
• Acute Viral Hepatitis: 600 mg/day.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: 300 mg/day.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: 25–30 mg/kg/day.
• NASH / Gallstone Dissolution: 13–15 mg/kg/day.
• Use only as prescribed by a registered physician.

✔️ Drug Interactions:

UDCA’s effectiveness may decrease when taken with drugs that raise bile cholesterol (e.g., estrogenic hormones) or with bile acid-binding agents such as cholestyramine, charcoal, and certain antacids.

✔️ Contraindications:

• Non-functioning gallbladder
• Calcified or pigmented gallstones
• Inflammatory bowel disease

✔️ Side Effects:

Common adverse effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching (pruritus), or gallstone opacification.

✔️ Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B: Safe use has been documented, including in the management of intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy.

No adverse effects reported in breastfeeding mothers.

✔️ Precautions & Warnings

Use with caution in patients with existing liver disease.

✔️ Storage:

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