About
Ursodeoxycholic acid (300 mg tablets, also known as ursodiol) is primarily used to treat certain gallbladder and liver disorders. It works by reducing cholesterol production in the liver and helping to dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones, while also protecting liver cells from damage caused by toxic bile acids.
Primary Uses
Dissolving Gallstones: It is used to dissolve small to medium-sized gallstones made primarily of cholesterol in patients who are not candidates for surgery or prefer to avoid it.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): It is a first-line and FDA-approved treatment for PBC (an autoimmune disease that damages the bile ducts in the liver), helping to improve liver function and delay the progression of the disease.
Cystic Fibrosis-associated Liver Disease: In children aged 6 to 18 years, it may be used to treat liver and biliary diseases associated with cystic fibrosis.
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP): It can be used off-label to manage ICP, a pregnancy-related liver condition, to lessen itching in the mother and potentially improve fetal outcomes.
Gallstone Prevention: It is also used to help prevent the formation of gallstones in obese patients undergoing rapid weight-loss programs