Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Ursodiol is prescribed for the dissolution of gallstones in individuals opting against surgery or those unable to undergo the procedure. It is additionally utilized to prevent the development of gallstones in overweight individuals experiencing rapid weight loss and in the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease. This medication belongs to the class of gallstone dissolution agents. Its mechanism of action involves reducing cholesterol production, dissolving cholesterol within bile to prevent stone formation, and mitigating elevated levels of toxic bile acids that accumulate in primary biliary cirrhosis.
Uses and Dosage
Ursodiol is available in both capsule and tablet forms for oral consumption. The typical dosage involves taking it two or three times daily, with or without food, for the treatment of gallstones. For individuals rapidly losing weight to prevent gallstones, it is generally taken twice a day. If the tablets are prescribed for primary biliary cholangitis, the usual regimen is 2 or 4 times a day with food.
Take ursodiol precisely as directed, avoiding deviations such as taking more or less than prescribed or altering the frequency of intake without consulting your doctor.
When breaking a tablet for a specific dose, position the tablet on a flat surface with the scored section on top. Apply gentle pressure to snap the tablet into two parts, and swallow the half tablet with water without chewing it. Due to its strong bitter taste, store the remaining half in a separate container from whole tablets, using it within 28 days. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide guidance on breaking the tablets, proper intake, and storage.
Ursodiol may require several months to exhibit its effects. If you’re using ursodiol capsules to dissolve gallstones, the duration of treatment may extend up to 2 years. Complete dissolution of gallstones may not occur, and even if it does, there’s a possibility of gallstones recurring within 5 years after successful treatment with ursodiol.
Continue taking ursodiol as directed, even if you feel well. Discontinuing the medication should only be done under the guidance of your doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- dizziness
- headache
- cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, or other signs of infection
- frequent urination or pain when you urinate
- muscle pain
- hair loss
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- indigestion
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- hives
- rash
- itching
- swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Caution
- Before initiating ursodiol, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, whether to ursodiol itself, other bile acids, or any other substances present in the product. Inactive ingredients may be present, potentially causing allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have specific gallbladder or bile duct issues (such as acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, biliary obstruction, gallstone pancreatitis, biliary-gastrointestinal fistula), as well as liver disease.
- This drug may induce dizziness, and the consumption of alcohol or marijuana can exacerbate this effect. Exercise caution when driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
- During pregnancy, use ursodiol only when absolutely necessary. Discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while using ursodiol.
Form and Strength
Urso Forte is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Urso Forte tablet:
- 500 mg
FAQ
Should you avoid certain foods when taking Urso Forte?
You should avoid eating foods that are high in calories or cholesterol.
How do you know if Urso Forte is working?
It may take months of therapy to get the right response. Your care team will schedule tests to see if your gallstones are dissolving or if your liver problem is improving. You may also need blood work done while you are taking this medication to check that your liver is working properly.
Resources
- https://patient.info/medicine/ursodiol-actigall-urso#:~:text=Try%20to%20avoid%20eating%20foods,stop%20ursodiol%20from%20working%20properly
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20178-ursodiol-capsules-or-tablets
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ursodiol-oral-route/description/drg-20066618
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-91837/urso-forte-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699047.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/urso-forte.html
